The Foot Protection Service (FPS) has a significant podiatry vacancy. This is impacting on their ability to meet the demands on the service. To manage this staffing deficit, they are temporarily modifying the referral acceptance criteria (PDF), to ensure they are providing assessment and intervention for those patients with the highest clinical risk.
There will be a temporary change to the number of requirements in the high-risk category from two to three points, although this remains at two for Māori patients with diabetes (please see NZSSD criteria in this appendix).
This temporary change may be in place for up to 12 months whilst they experience capacity deficits within the Foot Protection Team. However, this change will continue to be evaluated along the way and again in July 2026 to reflect the capacity available in the team.
Please re-refer via BPAC or your usual referral method with updated information and photos if you believe your patient’s condition has worsened and now requires re-prioritisation by the Foot Protection Service.
If a referrer identifies a patient as moderate risk they can be redirected to seek support from private podiatry in the community and may access funding through MSD/WINZ if eligible.
Advice on foot care (PDF) is encouraged to be provided to all patients with diabetes at any foot check opportunity.
Those identified as having moderate risk from current FPS case load will be phoned, screened, and either discharged or be reclassified (if their symptoms now meet the inclusion criteria)
Patients will receive a discharge letter following their phone call. The letter will also include advice on where to seek further community support including private podiatry options, advice on how to care for their feet, and the signs and symptoms of when to reach out for further support.
Patients will be advised that they may be eligible for funding to support private options, through MSD.
Te Pae Tata was launched by the health minister in Taupō last week. It is the first New Zealand Health Plan published under the new Pae Ora legislation.
Read moreRead the latest clinical updates for Taranaki including the opening and education session with Active+ and a database of NGOs operating within Taranaki.
Read moreWaikato DHB has made a report available to PHOs illustrating the average wait times (in days) for first specialist appointments (FSA) in secondary care.