Last updated: December 2025
Next review: December 2027

URN: 0817 A

Age UK and Foot Health Practitioners can provide basic toenail cutting services

These practitioners are not governed by the HCPC but can provide basic nail care and give foot health advice.

To find a Foot Health Practitioner in your area type ‘Bristol foot health practitioner’ into an internet search engine. There is no central contact.

If you want to check that a foot health practitioner is a member of the accredited register of foot health practitioners you can visit www.foothealthpractitionerregister.co.uk  or telephone 01492 534333

Age UK toenail cutting is available for anyone over the age of 55 years

For more information visit www.ageuk.org.uk 

All above telephone numbers are charged at a standard rate. Alternative providers are not free so always check their fee when booking an appointment.

Following an assessment of your foot condition you have now been officially discharged from the Podiatry Department. Your Podiatrist has explained the reason for your discharge to you.

Basic foot care

Check your feet daily – check between the toes, the top and bottom of your feet, and around the heels to make sure you have no cuts or discoloured areas.

If you cannot check your own feet, ask a friend or relative, or use a mirror.

Keep your feet clean:

• Wash your feet every day in warm, soapy water – make sure you dry gently but thoroughly, especially between your toes.

Nail care:

• Cut your toenails following the shape of the end of your toe.
• Do not cut your nails too short or down the corners, as you may leave a spike of nail or cause skin damage which can cause an ingrowing toenail.
• If you cannot use nail clippers, try filing them instead.

 Footwear

Always make sure your shoes are:

• Long enough – your toes should not touch the end of the shoe
• Wide enough – your toes should not be squashed together
• Deep enough – your toes should not rub on the top of your shoes
• Fastened securely – wear laces or a high strap and avoid slip-ons

What if I still want treatment?

If you still wish to see a podiatrist for occasional or regular treatment, then you can seek the help of a private HCPC Registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist such as Partner2Care.

We appreciate that looking for a private podiatrist can be a confusing matter. You should look for the letters HCPC which indicate that the Podiatrist/Chiropodist is regulated by the Healthcare Profession Council (HCPC).

What is a HCPC Registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist?

A HCPC Registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist will have trained for three years at one of fourteen recognised Schools of Podiatry and obtained a Diploma or Degree in Podiatry/Podiatric Medicine. Only this type of practitioner is eligible to work for the National Health Service, however, some also work in the private sector.

How to find a chiropodist/ Podiatrist in your area

If you have access to the internet or a family member who does, you can contact the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.  They will be able to provide you with a list of all the podiatrists registered in the area. All those listed will have completed a degree course in podiatry and work to standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

If you want to check that a podiatrist is on the HCPC register – www.hpc-uk.org/check/

Or by telephone on: 0300 500 6184

Find out more about the services we provide on our website:

https://sirona-cic.org.uk//nhsservices/adult-services/podiatry/