Going a step further: a podiatry 'pocket of excellence' for patient Ian Peacock

At CLCH we know that great care isn’t just about treating symptoms, it’s about seeing the whole person. And thanks to the dedication and insight of our podiatry team, one patient’s routine appointment became a life-changing moment.

Ian Peacock was referred to our podiatry service by his GP after experiencing toe pain. At his third appointment at Torrington Park, where he received a dressing for his toe following an infection, our team didn’t stop there.

Podiatrist Natalia took a closer look, not just at the affected foot, but at Ian’s overall circulation and found signs of an irregular heartbeat. Her attentiveness and holistic approach led Ian back to his GP, where he was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation, a condition he had no symptoms of and that might have gone unnoticed without her intervention.

And the care didn’t end there. When Ian was preparing for a trip to Italy, Natalia went above and beyond by creating a personalised travel pack with dressings for his toe and clear instructions, ensuring he could manage his condition independently without worry.

Ian said: "I didn’t expect such thorough care from a foot clinic - it’s a real pocket of excellence that looked after more than just my feet."

Natalia said: “It feels so natural to us as clinicians - it’s part of our treatment and that is the reason we are here. Mr Peacock is not an isolated case. With Podiatry it’s never just about the feet - holistic approach is the only way when it comes to health!"

The joined-up, patient-centred community care meant that Ian left feeling reassured, supported and empowered to go and enjoy his holiday.