1. Appointments

Appointments are arranged in advance and are reserved specifically for you. Please ensure that you are available at the agreed time and that there is safe and suitable access to your home for treatment.

2. Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a 50% charge.

Missed appointments or same-day cancellations may incur the full appointment fee.

If the practitioner arrives and the client is not available, this will be treated as a missed appointment.

3. Payment Terms

Payment is due at the time of the appointment unless otherwise agreed.

Accepted payment methods may include cash, bank transfer, or card payment.

Any outstanding cancellation fees must be paid before further appointments can be booked.

4. Health Information

Clients must provide accurate and up-to-date medical information, including:

• Medical conditions

• Medications

• Allergies

• Diabetes or circulatory problems

This information is important to ensure treatment is carried out safely.

5. Treatment Limitations

A Foot Health Practitioner provides routine foot care services such as nail cutting, corn and callus reduction, and general foot care.

Clients may be referred to a podiatrist, GP, or other healthcare professional if a condition requires medical diagnosis or specialist treatment.

6. Infection Control & Hygiene

Strict hygiene and infection control procedures are followed at all times. Sterilised instruments and appropriate protective equipment will be used during treatment.

If a client has a contagious condition (for example vomiting illness, COVID-19 symptoms, or certain infections), the appointment should be rearranged.

7. Safe Environment for Treatment

The practitioner requires a safe, clean, and well-lit area to perform the treatment. If the environment is deemed unsafe, the appointment may be cancelled and a fee may apply.

8. Safeguarding & Respect

All clients will be treated with dignity and respect. The practitioner also expects respectful behaviour. Abuse, harassment, or unsafe situations will result in immediate termination of the appointment.

9. Data Protection

Client information will be stored securely and used only for treatment records and appointment management in accordance with UK data protection laws.

10. Consent to Treatment

By booking an appointment, you confirm that you understand the treatment being provided and give consent for routine foot care treatment.

Complaints Policy

1. Policy Statement 

The practitioner is committed to providing high-quality foot health care and values feedback from patients and care homes.

All complaints will be taken seriously and handled fairly and promptly. 

2. Making a Complaint 

Patients, relatives, or care home staff may make a complaint by: 

• Speaking directly to the practitioner 

• Providing written details via email or letter 

3. Complaint Procedure 

The practitioner will: 

1. Acknowledge the complaint within 5 working days. 

2. Investigate the issue thoroughly. 

3. Provide a response within 14 working days where possible. 

If additional time is required, the complainant will be informed. 

4. Resolution 

Where appropriate, the practitioner will: 

• Offer an explanation 

• Apologise where necessary 

• Take steps to prevent the issue from occurring again 

5. Escalation 

If the complainant is not satisfied with the response, they may seek advice from relevant professional organisations or regulatory bodies if applicable. 

6. Record Keeping 

All complaints and actions taken will be documented and retained securely. 

7. Policy Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually.

Consent Policy

1. Policy Statement

Obtaining valid consent is essential before carrying out any foot health treatment. Patients have the right to make informed decisions about their care. 

Consent procedures align with professional standards and legal requirements under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. 

2. Informed Consent

Before treatment begins, the practitioner will explain: 

• The nature of the treatment 

• Any potential risks or discomfort 

• Expected benefits 

• Alternative options where appropriate 

Patients must have the opportunity to ask questions. 

3. Types of Consent

Consent may be: 

Verbal Consent

• Common for routine foot care treatments. 

Written Consent

• May be obtained for more complex procedures or where care homes require documentation.

4. Mental Capacity

If a patient is unable to provide informed consent, the practitioner will follow the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. 

Treatment will only proceed if: 

• The patient has capacity to consent, or 

• A legally authorised representative provides consent, or 

• Treatment is clearly in the patient’s best interests. 

5. Withdrawal of Consent

Patients may withdraw consent at any time, and treatment will stop immediately. 

6. Record Keeping

Consent discussions and decisions will be documented in patient records where appropriate. 

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually.

COSHH Policy

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 

1. Policy Statement

This policy outlines how hazardous substances used during foot health treatments are safely handled, stored, and disposed of in order to protect patients, care home residents, staff, and the practitioner. 

This policy follows the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and general workplace safety guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. 

2. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to: 

• Identify substances that may pose a risk to health 

• Reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances 

• Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal 

• Protect both patients and the practitioner from harm 

3. Substances Covered by COSHH 

Substances used in foot health practice that may fall under COSHH include: 

• Instrument disinfectants and cleaning solutions 

• Surface disinfectant sprays or wipes 

• Alcohol-based hand sanitisers 

• Antiseptic solutions 

• Nail and skin preparation products 

• Chemical sterilisation products where used 

These substances may pose risks such as skin irritation, inhalation hazards, or chemical burns if used incorrectly. 

4. COSHH Risk Assessments

The practitioner will carry out a COSHH risk assessment for any hazardous substance used during treatments. 

This includes:

• Identifying potential hazards 

• Assessing who may be affected 

• Implementing measures to reduce risks 

• Reviewing assessments regularly 

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for products will be obtained from manufacturers where required. 

5. Safe Use of Substances

To minimise risks, the practitioner will: 

• Follow manufacturer instructions for all products 

• Use only approved professional products 

• Avoid mixing chemicals unless instructed by the manufacturer 

• Use the smallest effective amount of product 

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

Where appropriate, PPE will be used when handling chemicals or disinfectants. 

This may include: 

• Disposable gloves 

• Protective apron 

• Eye protection if there is risk of splashing 

7. Storage of Substances

Hazardous substances will be stored safely to prevent accidents. 

This includes:

• Keeping products in clearly labelled containers 

• Storing chemicals securely in the practitioner’s equipment case 

• Keeping substances away from children and vulnerable individuals 

• Avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight 

8. Spillages and Accidents 

If a chemical spillage occurs, the practitioner will: 

• Contain and clean the spill safely 

• Use appropriate PPE 

• Dispose of contaminated materials safely 

If exposure occurs (such as contact with skin or eyes), the affected area will be rinsed with clean water and medical advice sought if necessary. 

9. Waste Disposal

Chemical waste and contaminated materials will be disposed of safely in accordance with waste management guidelines and local regulations. 

Clinical waste and sharps will be disposed of using approved waste disposal services. 

10. Training and Awareness 

The practitioner will ensure they are familiar with the safe use of all substances used during treatments and will follow COSHH guidance where applicable. 

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new substances or regulations are introduced. 

Health and Safety Policy

1. Policy Statement

The practitioner is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for patients, care home residents, staff, and themselves while delivering foot health services. 

All reasonable steps will be taken to minimise risks associated with mobile foot health treatments. This policy follows the principles set out in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. 

2. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to: 

• Promote safe working practices 

• Prevent accidents and injuries 

• Reduce risks associated with foot health treatments 

• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation 

3. Responsibilities

The practitioner is responsible for: 

• Maintaining safe working practices at all times 

• Identifying and managing potential risks 

• Using equipment safely and correctly 

• Following infection prevention procedures 

• Reporting and recording incidents where appropriate 

When working within care homes, the practitioner will also comply with the home’s health and safety procedures. 

4. Risk Assessments

Risk assessments will be carried out to identify hazards associated with mobile foot health practice. 

Examples of potential risks include: 

• Slips, trips, and falls 

• Handling sharp instruments 

• Exposure to bodily fluids 

• Poor lighting or unsuitable treatment areas 

• Manual handling of equipment 

Appropriate measures will be taken to reduce identified risks. 

5. Safe Use of Equipment

All equipment used for treatments will be: 

• Maintained in safe working condition 

• Cleaned and disinfected between patients 

• Used in accordance with manufacturer instructions 

Sharps such as scalpel blades will be used carefully and disposed of immediately in an approved sharps container. 

6. Infection Prevention

Strict infection control procedures will be followed to reduce the risk of infection transmission. 

This includes:

• Hand hygiene before and after each patient 

• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) 

• Proper cleaning and decontamination of instruments 

• Safe disposal of clinical waste 

7. Manual Handling

When transporting equipment or positioning during treatment, the practitioner will use safe manual handling techniques to reduce the risk of injury. 

Equipment bags will be kept as lightweight and manageable as possible. 

8. Accident and Incident Reporting 

Any accidents, injuries, or near misses occurring during treatment will be recorded and reviewed. 

If required, the practitioner will report serious incidents in accordance with safety regulations. 

9. Fire Safety

When working in care homes or private homes, the practitioner will: 

• Follow the fire safety procedures of the premises 

• Keep exits clear while working 

• Leave the premises immediately if a fire alarm sounds 

Fire safety guidance is informed by advice from the National Fire Chiefs Council. 

10. Personal Safety

The practitioner will take reasonable steps to ensure personal safety when working in unfamiliar environments. 

This includes following lone working procedures and remaining aware of surroundings. 

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes to legislation or working practices occur. 

Infection Prevention and Control Policy

1. Policy Statement

The practitioner is committed to maintaining the highest standards of infection prevention and control in order to protect patients, care home residents, staff, and the practitioner. 

All treatments will be carried out using recognised infection control procedures in line with guidance from organisations such as NHS England, UK Health Security Agency, and Health and Safety Executive. 

The aim of this policy is to minimise the risk of cross-infection during foot health treatments provided in care homes, residential settings, and private homes. 

2. Standard Infection Control Precautions 

Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs) will be applied to all patients regardless of known infection status. 

These include:

• Effective hand hygiene 

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 

• Safe management of sharps 

• Safe handling of equipment 

• Proper disposal of clinical waste 

• Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and instruments 

3. Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is performed: 

• Before and after every patient contact 

• After removing gloves 

• After contact with bodily fluids or wound care 

• After handling clinical waste 

Hands will be cleaned using: 

• Liquid soap and water, or 

• Alcohol-based hand sanitiser where appropriate. 

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

Appropriate PPE will be worn during treatments to reduce the risk of infection transmission. 

This may include: 

• Disposable gloves 

• Disposable apron 

• Face mask or eye protection if risk of splashing exists 

All PPE is single use and disposed of after each patient. 

5. Instrument Decontamination and Sterilisation 

Foot health instruments must be thoroughly decontaminated between patients to prevent cross-infection. 

Step 1 – Cleaning

Reusable instruments are first cleaned to remove visible debris using: 

• Warm water and detergent 

• A dedicated cleaning brush and ultrasonic cleaner where appropriate 

Step 2 – Disinfection

Following cleaning, instruments are disinfected using an appropriate medical-grade disinfectant solution. 

Step 3 – Sterilisation (Where Applicable) 

Where sterilisation equipment is available, instruments may be sterilised using an autoclave compliant with relevant sterilisation standards. 

Sterilised instruments are stored in sterile packaging until use. 

Where sterilisation facilities are not available, high-level disinfection is used in accordance with foot health practice guidance. 

Single-Use Instruments

Certain items are single-use only, including: 

• Scalpel blades 

• Some dressings 

• Disposable files or burrs 

These items are disposed of immediately after use. 

6. Storage of Clean Instruments

Clean or sterilised instruments will be: 

• Stored in sealed sterile pouches or containers 

• Kept separate from used instruments 

• Transported in a clean clinical case 

7. Sharps Management

Sharps (such as scalpel blades) are handled with extreme care. 

Procedures include: 

• Single-use blades only 

• Immediate disposal after use 

• Placement in a UN-approved sharps container 

• Sharps containers not filled beyond the recommended level 

Sharps containers are collected and disposed of by a licensed clinical waste contractor. 

8. Clinical Waste Disposal

Clinical waste generated during treatment includes: 

• Gloves and aprons 

• Dressings and swabs 

• Contaminated materials 

Waste will be disposed of in accordance with clinical waste regulations.

Cleaning of Equipment and Work Area 

Portable equipment and treatment surfaces will be cleaned between patients using approved disinfectant wipes or solutions. 

Equipment such as: 

• Footrests 

• Tool trays 

• Portable stools 

• Treatment cases 

will be regularly disinfected. 

10. Management of Infectious Conditions 

Where a patient presents with infectious conditions such as fungal infections, open wounds, or suspected infection, the practitioner will: 

• Use appropriate PPE 

• Follow enhanced infection control procedures 

• Thoroughly disinfect all instruments and equipment following treatment 

If infection risk is significant, treatment may be postponed or referral recommended. 

11. Practitioner Health

The practitioner will not carry out treatments if suffering from a contagious illness that could pose a risk to patients. 

The practitioner will maintain appropriate immunisations where recommended for healthcare workers. 

12. Documentation

The practitioner will maintain records including: 

• Instrument cleaning procedures 

• Waste disposal arrangements 

• Incident reporting where necessary 

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new infection prevention guidance is issued. 
 

 Lone Worker Policy

1. Policy Statement

As a mobile practitioner, treatments are often carried out while working alone in patients’ homes or care home environments. This policy outlines procedures to ensure personal safety and risk management while working independently. 

The practitioner recognises responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure safe working practices. 

2. Definition of Lone Working 

Lone working occurs when the practitioner works without direct supervision or support from colleagues. 

Examples include: 

• Visiting private homes 

• Treating patients in care homes independently 

• Travelling between appointments 

3. Risk Management

To minimise risks when working alone, the practitioner will: 

• Maintain a clear appointment schedule 

• Inform a trusted person of daily work locations when necessary 

• Carry a mobile phone at all times 

• Avoid unsafe environments or situations 

• Leave immediately if feeling unsafe 

4. Personal Safety

The practitioner will: 

• Park in well-lit areas where possible 

• Remain aware of surroundings 

• Maintain professional boundaries with patients and families 

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash 

5. Emergency Situations

In case of emergency: 

• Contact emergency services by calling 999 

• Leave the premises if personal safety is threatened 

• Report incidents appropriately 

6. Incident Reporting

Any incidents or safety concerns encountered during lone working will be documented and reviewed to improve safety procedures. 

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually. 

Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

This safeguarding policy outlines the commitment of the practitioner to protect and promote the welfare of vulnerable adults and children encountered during professional practice. 

The practitioner recognises the responsibility to safeguard individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation while delivering foot health services in homes, community settings, and care environments. 

This policy aligns with UK safeguarding legislation including the Care Act 2014 and the principles set out in the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to all professional activities undertaken by the practitioner when: 

• Providing foot health treatment in private homes 

• Visiting care homes or supported living settings 

• Working with vulnerable adults 

• Encountering children in the course of visits 

3. Definition of Safeguarding 

Safeguarding refers to protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. 

Abuse may include: 

• Physical abuse 

• Emotional or psychological abuse 

• Financial abuse 

• Neglect or acts of omission 

• Sexual abuse

• Discriminatory abuse 

• Domestic abuse 

• Self-neglect

4. Recognising Signs of Abuse 

The practitioner will remain alert to potential signs of abuse including: 

• Unexplained injuries or bruising 

• Poor hygiene or neglected medical needs 

• Sudden behavioural changes 

• Fearfulness around carers or family members 

• Unusual financial transactions or missing belongings 

5. Responsibilities

The practitioner will: 

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times 

• Treat patients with dignity and respect 

• Obtain informed consent before treatment 

• Maintain patient confidentiality 

• Report safeguarding concerns appropriately 

• Keep accurate and secure patient records 

6. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns 

If abuse or neglect is suspected, the practitioner will: 

1. Ensure the immediate safety of the individual if possible. 

2. Record factual observations including: 

• date and time 

• what was seen or heard 

• any disclosures made 

3. Report concerns to the relevant local safeguarding authority. 

In urgent situations, contact emergency services via 999. 

Concerns may also be reported to the relevant local authority safeguarding team in the area where the patient resides. 

7. Confidentiality

Information relating to safeguarding concerns will only be shared with relevant authorities where necessary to protect an individual from harm. 

Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with data protection principles and professional standards. 

8. Professional Conduct

The practitioner will: 

• Maintain appropriate professional qualifications and training 

• Undertake safeguarding awareness training where appropriate 

• Hold professional indemnity insurance 

• Maintain a valid enhanced DBS check when required 

9. Review of Policy

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or professional guidance changes.