Home
About Us
Our Services
Oral Sedation
Biomechanics
RSscan
Site Links
Contact Us
About The Team

alt

Alex

Hamilton

Podiatrist

B.Sc.  M.Ch.S.

 HPC registered

Alex Hamilton is a graduate of the Edinburgh School of Podiatry and has over 20 years experience in private practice in Walton on Thames and NHS consultancy. He is a member of the South London Postgraduate group and is a regular attendee of podiatric courses and symposia.

His main professional interest is biomechanical gait analysis and orthotic prescription for all foot problems, particularly in children. He also specialises in minor skin surgery. Routine chiropody is available. Alex also holds a surgery in the City, if you would find this more convenient please contact Jean on 0207 628 3359

BUPA and HSA registered

Julie Stodhart  M.Ch.S.  D.Pod.M.

HPC registered 

Associate

Chiropodist/Podiatrist

alt

Julie Stodhart qualified in 1980 from the Chelsea School of Chiropody and has held NHS appointments for over 13 years. She now works exclusively in private practice in Walton on Thames.

She, also, is a member of the South London Postgraduate group and commited to continuing professional development.

HSA registered.

teresaTersea Kayne,  Practice Manager

Teresa has 20 years experience in dental nursing and  qualified at the Royal London Hospital in 1999. she has joined our team as practice manager 

She is committed to making your visit as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

She would be glad to make an appointment at your convenience.

 

All appointments and patient records are made and kept on our new Kodak R4 computer diary and patient management system, data protected for extra security.

Miss Mandy Bailey, DSA, Receptionist

   

alt

Mandy is also avilable to help you with appointments and any enquiries you may have.

 

 

 

 

What is a Podiatrist?

Podiatrists are foot specialists whose expertise is in the field of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot disorders. By consulting a podiatrist you are showing a strong commitment to maximising your foot/body health and future mobility. Podiatrists undergo additional extensive advanced university training in the medical treatment of the foot and its associated structures.

As specialists, they devote their time energy and skill to helping people who suffer from foot disorder

Why I need to see a specialist

Your feet are vital to your independence, overall health, mobility and an important aspect of your general health care.
You do not hesitate to consult an optician when you experience problems with your eyes or a dentist when you experience a painful condition associated with your teeth or gums.

Why should your feet be different! Any foot condition should first be discussed with your podiatrist, We are an integral part of your healthcare team.

 

Are all Podiatrists the same?

Look for the letters S.R.Ch. M.Ch.S. or B.Sc. following your Podiatrist's name.

B.Sc. [Batchelor of Science] is a further qualification.

Only State Registered chiropodists/podiatrists may work within the N.H.S. and have undertaken and passed a 3/4 year degree level course at a recognised university.

Only after this full time university study could they obtain State Registration and membership of the Society Of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and operate within strict guide lines.

[Any other qualification has probably been undertaken by correspondence or part time attendance.]

Please phone or email to discuss with our practice manager if you have any queries regarding the above.

You naturally assume your dentist and doctor are qualified  why not your podiatrist!

What do the letters that Podiatrists use mean?

DPodM or BSc(Podiatry) - This signifies that the Podiatrist has completed a full training course in podiatry at an approved institution. Originally this course was a diploma in podiatric medicine - DPodM but was later changed to a degree course - B.Sc.

SRCh - State Registered Chiropodist. Since July the 9th 2003 this title is defunct though is likely to be used by many Podiatrists for the time being as it may still be expected by the general public as a sign that the Podiatrist is fully qualified. The current form of registration with the state is given by the new Health Professions Council (See notes on HPC registration below)

MChS or FChS - This means that the Podiatrist is a member or fellow of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. A practicing member of this society is assured of having professional indemnity insurance cover.

HPC registration and why it is of limited value!

HPC registration, means registration with the Health Professions Council . This is the regulatory board for chiropody/podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and others in the Allied Health Professions. On July the 9th 2003 the HPC replaced the old Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM). The CPSM set the standards for State Registration which for Podiatrists/Chiropodists was a minimum of 3 years full time training at an approved institution leading to a degree in podiatric medicine. Registration with the new HPC ensures the practitioner meets certain minimum standards of education though unlike the old CPSM it does not guarantee that the Podiatrist/Chiropodist holding registration has completed a degree or diploma. Prior to these changes patients seeking a private appointment were advised by the CPSM, the NHS and the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists to ensure they saw a Podiatrist who was State Registered as this was the only way to ensure he/she had completed an approved course. Registration with the new HPC, unfortunately does not guarantee this.

If not all registered Podiatrists have completed a degree, who are the others on the HPC register?

The new HPC, instead of denying the use of the titles Podiatrist and Chiropodist to all but those trained to a standard previously acceptable to the CPSM, are allowing onto the register anyone who applies for HPC registration and who meets a minimum set of requirements, through a simple process known as 'grandparenting'. 

In plain English this means that anyone who has completed less than the approved 3 year course (often with as little as 2 weeks practical training) but who has been working privately as an unregistered Podiatrist for the past three years has a chance to become registered and this is without any further test of proficiency . This change should have been the subject of much debate but has gone largely unnoticed by the public and press.

How can I be sure who's who?

This has actually been made more difficult by the Health Professions Council who insist that the obvious differences in training are to be ignored and will only state that all Podiatrists meet their new "minimum standards of proficiency". The HPC have a list of currently approved courses that are without exception BSc courses. This could well lead members of the public to expect that all registered Podiatrists are degree educated which is now not the case. As there is no requirement for a Podiatrist to declare their training level it is up to the patient to inquire. Firstly ask if they are a HPC registered Podiatrist, it is a criminal offense to falsely claim they are. If they are registered you can further ask if they have a degree or 3 year diploma in podiatry (BSc or DPodM), it is a breech of the HPC regulations to falsely claim they have so by asking these questions alone you have gained a measure of assurance. If there is any show of protest at this or if they will only insist they are 'Fully Qualified' but won't be specific, make your excuses and put the phone down. No properly qualified Podiatrist would in the least mind you asking, on the contrary they would be pleased that you know the importance of thorough training.

Once again, you naturally assume your dentist and doctor are qualified  why not your podiatrist!



Webpage Maker