I work in a General Practice (GP) clinic, and I have been asked to do foot care by my Practice Manager, but I haven’t done it before. Can I go ahead?
No. Nurses and midwives must only perform procedures that they are trained, competent and authorised to perform. Foot care carries risks, including injury to the skin and foot integrity, so performing it without the proper training can compromise patient safety and breach your professional obligations.
If asked to perform foot care:
- Decline until you have received appropriate training and supervision
- Ask a qualified colleague to perform it while you observe or assist
- Document your decision-making.
Patient safety and maintaining professional accountability must come first.