Podiatry at a supermarket near you

No Derek.

Several of us made it personal.

I had hoped that we could, by now, let the dust lie and take it back to a good debate.

I still feel that Podiatry outside of the NHS has a fantastic future and would have the potential to put some enthusiasm back into those battered by NHS red tape.

I was responding to Roberts soothing email and accepting responsibility in part.

If we can't move on and debate, then OK call it a day.

GB

 

Hi George

Then can we make it the norm for the future that the sniping will stop and the trolling will stop please??

Then we can move on and debate which I think is what everyone wants.
cheers
Derek

 

To Robert Issacs/George Brandy,

“How long before some smart alec decides to say "thats fine, don't bother with the assessment, I'm 30 years old and healthy, I don't NEED one". Or indeed how long before Sainsbury's, wanting to increase turnover, asks why an assessment is needed and puts pressure on the Chiropodist to skip it with some patients?”

And if something goes wrong, the patient decides to sue, a professional practise/conduct committee and the HPC will get involved! If it is decided that min stds were not followed, then that chiropodist (or Sainsburys) will be £X out of pocket to pay the excess! And the chiropodist’s livelihood may be taken away!

“I have had patients refuse to divulge medical history or accept they need an assessment. If this happens they do not receive treatment. I have only lost one patient to this standard.”

I have probably lost 1 if not 2. Husband came to see me and the wife was (but cancelled). The husband said, “is this really needed just for cutting toe nails?!” I said, “yes, it is a legal requirement and prof body requirement.” Can’t comment on Institute standards, but their last/current chiropodist (was on maternity leave) is an Institute member trained by Scholl.

 

Hi Derek,

I have just read this lot. Mind boggling, now we are doing it in Sainburys? Sounds a bit like the old set up we used to know?

So do we know whether they are actually getting business there. Doctors working in Supermarkets seem to have gone quiet lately now that we have Primary Trust drop in centres!

Drop in Centres were also supposed to be getting Chiropodists too? Four months between nail cuts? I did wonder whether that sort of treatment was worth while! My people need a second cut after a couple of months or less!

£18 for first visit, to your knowledge is the pensioner able to afford it these days in these circumstances in Supermarkets?

Yours all,

Colin.

 

Hi Colin

Not my concern I'm afraid. The patients ability to pay is contained in their right to choose.

My concern is that the figure if £18 does not add up for an initial visit if the practitioner is to remain solvent, and that sainsburys are advertising this fee which will have a knock on effect to a greater or lesser degree on the rest of us should it become the norm in all the stores.

If you want to know what happens when supermarkets get involved with suppliers ,ask the farmers and growers in this country about the stranglehold they have on pricing and how many went under because they wouldnt comply:butcher:

But , the prices on the shelves never came down ,and the supermarkets profits rose to the obscene levels they are today.

Cheers
Derek

 

So will Sainsbury's be selling toe jam...

 

wow. I think you ladies need to tape your nails. And perhaps speak of podiatry matters occassionally.

 

_________________________________
Hi Derek,

Of course you are right. I will call in at our local Sainsbury's later!

They will have an immediate effect on private sector fees/prices I am sure.

I doubt they are interested in feet just money in pocket.

I wonder if they are using private Chiropodist's as part timers or renting out store space to an independent soul!

It opens up a lot of ifs and buts doesn't it. For example, what is the second visits fee etc.?

Cheers,

Colin.

 

Hello,

First post! Have been in PP practice 23 years at same high street venue. Was worried some years ago when Boots descended on my plot and I have to say were charging far higher fees than me!

Answer: Put my fees up to match theirs as was confident about my experience and expertise. The outcome, during the 2 years Boots were operating my diary was full and fit to bust, so was I. It made people aware about footcare and I benefited financially the added plus was that jo public enjoyed the continuity of always seeing me rather than a different face at boots because they had difficulty keeping regular staff.

I feel after all this time that you are only as good as your "last patient" we all know that bad news travels fast, I have never undercut my prices for fear of another Podiatrist providing a cheaper deal. I believe that my time is valuable and my experience vital. So I charge what I think I am worth, plus what my overheads will afford!

Having been in the business for so long I have acquired some physical discomforts through my job. Tennis elbow for 2 years, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis in my wrist, slipped disc L5 S1, I feel I am due the money which I have earned . I could reduce my prices but for what? Longer working hours, increased pressure and work load.

I have done it all before through fear that if I cannot accomodate them then they will find someone else... Enough I say.... I work less hours now for more money, I am not coming home absolutely knackered and in pain, there is enough to go around. With this credit crunch I put my prices up 2 months ago, something I had been vascillating about for at least a year, have had no complaints at all, and comparing my income during the last 2 years my figures have remained the same. So don't always buy into this fear mentality, it can be like a self fulfilling prophecy..

Regards to all,

P.S Yes this forum has been hugely insightful it is a godsend to get others opinions especially when working for oneself. But the clash of egos is something I did not expect. LIfe is tough enough without contributing to another's woes.