§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will clarify the division of responsibilities between chiropodists and foot care assistants by establishing national guidelines for community chiropodists; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergState-registered chiropodists are responsible for, and may undertake, all of the work associated with the chiropody treatment of patients. The range of this work is laid down by the chiropodists' board of the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine. Guidance was issued to health authorities in March 1982 defining the type of duties which foot care assistants may carry out. These are patient preparation, surgery preparation, and other related routine duties; and foot hygiene and the cutting of normal toenails under the direction of and following assessment by a state-registered chiropodist.