BCHS Annual Report 2025 - Report - Page 27
Podiatrists go
the extra mile
The Podiatry team have provided
podiatric care to 1472 clients over
the past 12 months. Services were
delivered at BCHS’ Kangaroo Flat
and Central sites and at Bendigo
& District Aboriginal Co-Operative
(BDAC) via Bendigo Primary Care
Centre.
Looking after little feet
The team’s care extended to the
Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative
Kindergarten, after the Paediatric Podiatry
team took the initiative to ask BDAC if they
would like screening assessments for their
young djimbaya kindergarten children.
The screenings focused on lower limb
strength and foot health for children
between 3-6 years of age. Two sessions were
held to accommodate children who attend
over di昀昀erent days.
The djimbaya sta昀昀 were so welcoming and
helpful to ensure all the children felt safe and
heard during their screening. They’re now
keen to make this service an annual feature
of the kindergarten to enhance the health
and wellbeing of the students.
By the book
BCHS, Bendigo Health and Dhelkaya Health podiatry services collaborated
and updated the Podiatry Diabetes Model: Best Practice Clinical Guidelines.
The group reviewed and updated the guide in line with the most recent
published literature. They reviewed the International Working Group on the
Diabetic Foot Guidelines and Diabetes Feet Australia (and will continue to
monitor for updates) to ensure they’re working to the best evidence-based
practice, in turn ensuring positive outcomes for clients.
Positive feedback
Consumer experience surveys were provided to clients, with 71 people
responding. From the survey, 87 per cent of clients indicated the podiatry
service made a di昀昀erence to them.
“A valuable service,
especially for
diabetic patients.”
“Well-mannered and
genuine, I learnt a
lot about myself.”
“It’s great, my
feet have been so
much better.”
Allied Health in Aged Care Forum
Podiatrist Caitlyn and exercise physiologist Ash attended the Allied
Health in Aged Care Forum in Melbourne in May 2025. This was
presented by the Sector, Support and Development Connect Alliance,
which is supported by the Department of Health and Aged Care. The
sta昀昀 collaborated with other health professionals and discussed the
upcoming aged care reforms. They found the forum valuable, and a
great chance to connect with other service providers and brainstorm
ideas on how to run the service more e昀케ciently.
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