§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What redress is available to patients with diabetes who find that they have been treated by a chiropodist or podiatrist who was untrained and unqualified to deal with the special needs of diabetic patients.[HL451]
§ Lord WarnerIf care was provided under National Health Service arrangements the person could make a complaint in the knowledge that, if a satisfactory response was not given by the local trust, the person could seek independent review of the case and, if still dissatisfied, refer to the Health Service Ombudsman. Any allegation that a chiropodist or podiatrist is unfit to practise may be referred to the Health Professions Council, the regulator with statutory responsibility for setting and maintaining standards of practice for chiropodists and podiatrists. The HPC's standards for chiropodists and podiatrists include the requirement for knowledge and skill in treating patients with diabetes mellitus. Subject to transitional arrangements, employment of staff by an NHS trust or a primary care trust in the capacity of chiropodist (podiatrist) is limited to those who are registered in the register maintained by the HPC. Patients seeking redress may wish to take legal advice to ascertain whether legal action might be an appropriate response.