News

Podiatrists find new ways to care during COVID-19

Sun, 31 May 2020 21:26:00

INNOVATIVE ways of delivering podiatry services across the Mallee have helped hundreds of people receive important care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the COVID-19 restrictions came into effect several weeks ago, social distancing requirements and travel restrictions meant people across the catchment would be limited in their ability to access podiatry services through the Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS).
But the MTHCS podiatrist and allied health assistants weren’t to be beaten and came up with new ways to care for their clients.
“We sent out more than 300 nail care packs to our clients across the region, and developed a priority system so we could ensure those who needed emergency care were seen as soon as possible,” explained MTHCS podiatrist Joanne Mallinson, who has provided podiatry care in the Mallee Track catchment for the last 11 years.
“We also encouraged our clients to take a picture of their feet and send it to our mobile phone, so we can assess the problem and prioritise patients as required.”
Each nail care pack included cleansing wipes, a nail file, an information booklet on how to care for your own feet, and a personal note from the MTHCS podiatrist about the client’s personal podiatry needs.
Mrs Mallinson said high priority clients have been treated regularly throughout the pandemic and emergency appointments were available for patients assessed as being “medium” or “low” need, with most treated within two days.
“Thank you to everyone for understanding that we have had to work differently throughout the COVID-19 response,” she said.
“We are working hard to continue to provide podiatry services during this difficult time.
“As things change, podiatry services will as well but we are hoping that as restrictions begin to ease, we can see more “medium” priority clients in the coming weeks.”
Mrs Mallinson said Mallee residents had responded positively to the change in services, with many clients grateful to continue to receive podiatry care during the pandemic.
“We had a letter from a client in Sea Lake who really appreciated the nail care pack and the fact that we still care, even though we may not be able to see all of our clients at the moment,” Mrs Mallinson said.
“And we have had quite a few people send us photos of their feet so we can address their concerns, which shows we are all getting used to doing things differently.”
MTHCS can be contacted on 5092 1111 for further information.

Pictured: MTHCS podiatrist Joanne Mallinson working on client Robert Young’s feet.