Low Cost Toenail Cutting Service

In 2008, Pendle Seniors Group (PSG) decided to do research into the need for a low cost toe nail cutting service. We had become involved with the East Lancs PCT Falls prevention strategy where people not getting their toe nails cut had been identified as one reason why so many older people were suffering from injuries caused by falling.

PSG carried out a fact finding survey in areas of Colne and Barnoldswick in an effort to ascertain the need for such a service. The result showed that there was indeed a need. The NHS Podiatry Department could not satisfy this need as any toe nail cutting done by them was only as part of a larger set of treatment. Many Chiropodists provided the service but they were said to be too expensive.

PSG were struggling to find a way to deliver this much needed service when they were introduced to Caremart. They are a social enterprise seeking to make a difference to the well being and the health of people looking for or providing social care. You can find them at www.caremart.co.uk. With Caremart's assistance, PSG applied to the East Lancs PCT for funding to introduce the low cost toe nail cutting service. The funding was granted and Caremart then formed a not for profit organisation to introduce the service in Pendle. The aim was to become established within Pendle and then extend the service out to all the other districts within East Lancashire.

Caremart employed personnel to do the toe nail cutting and they were then trained by the NHS Podiatry department. PSG donated funding that helped in the purchase of the toe nail cutting clippers and file, as each client had to have their own. The service was accessed by attending a clinic set up in local centres or by home visits.

After several months the service was extended, firstly in to Burnley and subsequently into the other districts within East Lancashire. It has now become self funding and Caremart's toe nail cutting service is promoted across the country as a model service.

The service is for anyone who:

• Have poor sight
• have poor mobility
• Are housebound
• Simply cannot cut their own toe nails

The cost is £6.00 at the clinics and £10.00 for a home visit.

Anyone in the Pendle area who is interested in this service, please contact Caremart on 0800 612 5896.