November 28, 2023The Northern Health Foot Procedure Unit (FPU) is a National Association of Diabetes Centres (NADC) core-level accredited high-risk foot service, focused on the assessment and management of complex foot problems such as ulcerations, infected ingrown toenails and other.
Operating across three sites, Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital and Craigieburn Centre, FPU staff focus on preventing lower limb amputations for patients in the northern suburbs and regional surrounds.
Primarily operated by a core group of Podiatrists and Orthotists, staff work closely with medical, surgical, nursing and allied health colleagues as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Core clinical day-to-day activities include:
- Vascular (including TCPO2) and neurological assessments
- Wound management, including sharps debridement
- Total contact casts for charcot feet
The Foot Procedure Unit recently expanded their staffing with the addition of Robert Beavan in the new role of FPU Clinical Lead. Robert brings 15 years of clinical and management experience to Northern Health from the National Health Service in the UK and regional Victoria. He spent most of 2023 getting to know the FPU team.
“It’s been great working with a group of competent clinicians who hold each other accountable to the highest standards,” he said.
Foot Procedure Unit patients usually present with foot ulcerations caused by conditions such as diabetes, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and foot deformity. Their situation may be complicated by an infection and lifestyle factors (i.e. smoking). Anxiety and depression may add further complication, if the foot ulceration has led to a reduction of income from work, or inability to lead their previously normal life. FPU staff often build deep clinical relationships with patients by guiding them through the complex process of wound management and towards the desired outcome.
In January 2023, the FPU expanded its high-risk foot services to include Broadmeadows Hospital and Craigieburn Centre in addition to their main service at Northern Hospital Epping. As a result, more patients are now able to conveniently access high-risk foot services closer to home.
“We are really blessed to have a number of dedicated and long-standing staff who have been at Northern Health between 10-20 years. Our podiatrists Tim, Paul, Virginia, Claire and Jas provide the team with a wealth of knowledge gained from working many years across all the Northern Health sites,” said Robert.
During the pandemic, staff were challenged by the increased need to focus on the patients most at risk of presenting to the emergency department and subsequent admissions into hospitals, and on those with deteriorating foot ulcerations due to PAD and/or infection. All urgent priorities were attended to, however, important activities, such as supporting community partners were put on hold. FPU Clinical Lead, Robert Beavan and FPU Senior Podiatrist, Claire Ackland are now beginning to travel around the Northern Health catchment area to reconnect with local Podiatrists, to ensure they are aware of FPU and the support they offer.
Moving forward, in 2024, the FPU team is looking forward to consolidating their recent expansion by aspiring to achieve NADC “Centre of Excellence” status, when renewing their accreditation status next year. The FPU staff are also looking forward to participating in the upcoming Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention (LEAP) Conference in Melbourne, in October 2024.
Good luck and thank you for all that you do!
Pictured in featured image: The Foot Procedure Unit team.
