No GP Appointment Necessary
If you have a foot or lower limb problem, you can often refer yourself directly to your local NHS Podiatry clinic without seeing your GP first.
Note: NHS Podiatry in Northern Ireland prioritises patients based on medical need (e.g., diabetes, circulation issues, or open wounds). Routine nail cutting for healthy individuals is generally not provided.
Choose Your Local Trust
Please select the Health and Social Care Trust for your area to access the correct self-referral form or contact details:
| Trust Area | How to Refer | Link/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Belfast Trust | Phone or Online Form | Visit Belfast Podiatry / 028 9615 8100 |
| South Eastern Trust | Online Referral Form | Submit Self-Referral Form |
| Northern Trust | Downloadable Form | Download Referral Form |
| Southern Trust | Email or Post Form | Southern Trust Podiatry Info / 028 3756 4640 |
| Western Trust | Phone or Email | Western Trust Contact / 028 7186 5100 |
Note: If you are unsure which Trust area you belong to, you can check your GP’s location or visit the HSC Service Finder.
What Information Will You Need?
To complete your self-referral, please have the following details ready:
- Health & Care (H&C) Number (Found on your prescriptions or medical letters).
- GP Details (Name and practice address).
- Medical History (Current medications and conditions like Diabetes).
- Description of the Problem (How long you’ve had it and the level of pain).
Urgent “Red Flag” Symptoms
Do not wait for a self-referral if you experience the following. Contact your GP or Urgent Care immediately:
- Sudden Change in Color: Foot turning black, blue, or very dark red.
- New Ulcer/Wound: A break in the skin that is leaking fluid or pus.
- Signs of Infection: The area is hot, very swollen, or you have a high temperature/shivers.