Outrage as 82 year old with foot problems denied care on the NHS

3.51.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th May 2008

A local Muswell Hill resident has been forced to look for private health care after she was denied vital foot care on the NHS, local MP Lynne Featherstone recently found out as she visited her home. Since 2007, when her local Fortis Green clinic closed, Mrs. Audrey Kelly, 82, who suffers from severe foot problems which often leave her unable to walk, has been refused treatment or referral to an NHS chiropodist by her GP. Mrs. Kelly, who is on income support, has been told that, as she is not considered a 'high risk' patient*, the only way she can get foot care is to go private.

Local Liberal Democrats are now calling on Haringey PCT to provide a foot care service, similar to the one which was provided at the Fortis Green clinic, when Hornsey Hospital opens next year.

Age Concern Haringey is running a campaign to improve foot care for the elderly in the borough; to support the campaign please visit the following site: http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/feetforpurpose.asp

Local MP, Lynne Featherstone, comments:

"It is outrageous and completely unreasonable that the NHS will not treat her foot problem. Mrs Kelly is in such severe pain, and being unable to get treatment on the NHS, she tried self treatment, which left her worse off with severely bleeding and infected feet.

"Since the Fortis Green clinic closed, I have seen a real issue with elderly people being unable to get foot care on the NHS, despite NHS assurances that the service has not been cut. This is clearly not the case and Haringey PCT needs to deliver on its promises and ensure that people, like Mrs Kelly, get the service they deserve."