Cheeky FHP! But seriously - Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!

exactly couldnt have put it better 'myself' tee hee

 

Myself,
You said

Why?
Respect, in my book, isn't given gratis, it has to be earned.

I will respect FHPs when;-

- they start operating their businesses professionally eg giving printed receipts, operating from landlines, (instead of from mobiles which they apparently keep switched off)

- they start being available when patients have problems. (instead of telling them they can't see them for 6 weeks and leaving them to fend for themselves)

- they stop marketing themselves as Chiropodists.( I know this because I have taken on so many dissatisfied FHP patients who had been told that their practitioner was a Chiropodist. They were astounded to find out that this wasn't true.)

- they stop shoving their crappy, day-glo pink/green/blue badly worded leaflets through my letterbox.

- they stop claiming to be "foot-specialists", after a few days practical training

- they stop claiming to have taken "a searching examination" when it's probably a series of multiple choice questions.

- they start referring those patients that are beyond their ability to myself or my colleagues. (Instead of continuing treating until the patient is dissatisfied with the lack of resolution, and comes to me or my colleagues to clear up the consequences).


I could go on but I think you get the picture.

In 15 years of practice in this area I have never had one single referral from an FHP. I have, however, ended up clearing up a steady stream of bodge-jobs.

I rest my case.

 

I think the fact an FHP has never referred to you says more about you than it does them as I suspect your bombastic sweeping statements and general disrespectful attitude goes before you. I feel sure you would not accept the referral graciously but rather see it as a failure and inadequacy on the FHPs part as oppose the the pods I refer on to, who respect me for recognising my limitations and working safely within my scope of practice. So using this thread as another learning opportunity, today I will appreciate the lovely team I work with just that little bit more. Today I will be that bit more thankful that the pods in my area are lovely and I have a good working relationship with them. BUT most of all today, I will walk around satisfied in the knowledge that I am one of the many good & competent FHP's with a full list of patients and a successful business and knowing that will annoy and eat at you for the rest of your pod career catfoot.
So...you say you rest your case, I also rest mine (although I suspect you lied about that last bit!)

 

Myself,

So now you are clairvoyant?

If what you say is correct then perhaps you can explain why none of my colleagues in the area Pods Private Practice Group have ever had a referral?
Or "Fishpod" (who posts here) and hasn't had a referral in 30 years?
Or are you making a "sweeping statement"that we are all "bombastic and disrespectful.

.

err, any clues as to what that actually is? Where can Jo Public access this? So what exactly did you learn to do in your 2 weeks clinical practice with 20 carefully-screened patients?

Oh, you work as a team? Oh sorry, I thought you were an autonomous practitioner who made their own decisions. I should have known that your nursing background as a handmaiden to doctors hasn't prepared you to work solo in the private sector.

Well that depends on your definition of "successful" doesn't it? If all you aspire to be is a minimalist footcare provider on the lowest rung of the ladder, with an unprotected title and a full book of cut & come again 6 weekly patients, then I suppose you've succeeded.

 

Just been on Hols ,so doing a bit of "catch up".

Back to the original question, the FHP didn't say she was a Chiropodist or Pod, in actual fact she specifically said she wasn't, in my books that makes her a very open and honest person.

I might say as a nurse of many years, my experience of ulcers and Diabetics is extensive and probably better than most Pods ( who do not specialise in these clinics). that doesn't mean in a clinic position I would treat such, but am more than capable of dressing and referring on, as able to diagnose effectively.

I also don't see why we can't advertise in G/P surgery's, most G/P's need to increase their income and lots rent out space to all kinds of practitioners. They don't recommend any one but many the time I have seen someone who has just seen the G/P and he has suggested they come to see me.

However I have EARNT that recommendation, G/P's are not stupid and they know when they can trust another practitioner and unlike some on this forum ,most don't care about qualifications if they have observed that person does a good job and can be trusted.

 

I think Myself was right when they said "I think the fact an FHP has never referred to you says more about you than it does them as I suspect your bombastic sweeping statements and general disrespectful attitude goes before you"

If you use the same patronising tone when you write to FHPS offring help, then obviously they wont!!!

Your clairvoyant ways arent working so well eitherAt uni we have 4 FHPS who are there becuase they were helped by very helpful podiatrists who they have and still do refer patients to and are not told off!!!

I cant believe how rude you are to everyone, if thats what you call intellectual challenges then I`d rather be tarred as a student who makes spelling mistakes than someone like you!

 

Is it just me am i missing something.? Why would a podiatrist write to a fhp to offer help .
FHPs exist to put private pods out of a job. its that simple they are competition for the same punters we are after. and if they do cpd research aquire enhanced skills they will soon be wanting band 7 nhs jobs as well. wake up and smell the coffee . they exist but in reallity they are our enemies.
PS Doogle do grow up by the time you graduate the fhps will have signed up all your potential customers .

 

Doogle,
"Myself" isn't a real person - they are a "plant" from an FHP training school, didn't you realise that?

These characters always come out from the woodwork (whenever one of their own is making an ass out of themselves) to try and raise the appeal of FHPs.

You make some pretty sweeping statements for someone who hasn't worked as a Pod yet.

You know nothing of what I have written to FHPs.
In fact the Private practice group I am in, composed an introductory letter that we could all use. So I guess the 12 or so pods in the group are all "bombastic & patronising" according to you (And Myself)?

My colleagues in the local NHS Trust never get any referrals from FHPs, so I guess they are all "bombastic & patronising"as well ?

I never said I was "clairvoyant" - please read my post again.

Here's a quote from your friend Bel on another forum and dated 28.June 2009 ;-

" I would advise you to create referral pathways to other chiropodists/podiatrists in your area so that you can refer cases which are beyond your scope of practice. This would certainly help you to run an ethical and rewarding practice in addition to earning the respect of other health professionals."

Doogle, why do you think that it is the responsibility of the Podiatrist to make the FHP feel happy to refer to them? Isn't it the duty of a responsible practitioner (of any discipline) to refer on when necessary without having to be coaxed into doing so?

I know of District Nurses who are akin to fire-breathing dragons, but I don't hesitate to refer on to them because it's the right thing to do.

When you are qualified and are out there in the big wide world, you may change your viewpoint quite a bit - and that's not being patronising, either.
I hope you stick around and let us know how you get on.....

 

guess that figures because they seem so dumb and havent got a clue about what is going on in the real world.

 

Pauline BS - post 35,
(Back to the first post)
No-one is doubting the nursing ability of the practitioner distributing the leaflets. However, the individual is not marketing herself as a nurse but as an FHP

I always have grave concerns when nurses also practice as FHPs because of the confusion over professional accountability. IMO they are getting into a legalistic minefield.

The problems can occur as one occupation is Regulated Under Statute, and the other isn't.

Nurses are insured to practice in a certain way. FHPs are also insured to practice in a certain way. The problem occurs when the two overlap, something goes wrong and neither insurer wants to get involved.

In this scenario the patient is the one who could be the loser.

 

And there it is... The truth is out! Thanks fish pod...You ARE threatened by us! Hahahaha! This is sod all to do with protecting your patients and titles, it's about your insecurities that we will take all you patients.. Feed enough rope and they will hang themselves". It's out there for all to see. My day just got better and am sat here now feeling very smug that I have a happy and safe client base, am making a more than comfortable living., with a steady stream of new patients all the time. So whilst I understand where your insecurities stem from, I am and will remain one happy FHP and laughing in your face hahahahahaha.......

 

Dear myself I think the podiatry profession is threatened by fhps don't laugh to loud because I am not personally or professionaly threatened by you or your colleagues or my own colleagues for that matter ps will be picking up the new 911 ragtop on Saturday morning keep on laughing you troll. Ps enjoy your comfortable living I'm just green with envy it's killing me.

 

Keep digging fish pod.... Bragging about your assets is crude and futile. As a family we are the proud owners of a Carrera 4 GTS PDK. I don't believe I told you what my husband did for a living did I ? Hahahaha.....

 

i am very happy for you. its a little strange though because the few minted mates i have their wives do lunch not feet enough said.

 

Myself,

Nice, but I hope no-one keys it in the hospital car park when you're doing those late cardiac ward shifts .......

 

Their prerogative.... I worked hard in my nursing career to get to where I am so not willing to give that up just because my husband is minted. FHP work is a personal interest that doesn't carry the same pressures and it's also a job I love. Enjoy your 911

 

Ps catfoot.... I don't drive his car. I have my own. I also don't work shifts or on a ward.. Too far up the career ladder for that ;-)

 

Myself,

Thought you said you were a cardiac nurse ?

 

I am.... A specialist cardiac nurse working out in the community. No shifts, no unsocial hours and no wards

 

Well then, Myself, you're only a Band 7, hardly top of the tree is it?

Gee whizz, I was Band 7 before I left the NHS.

Haven't you got anything more erudite to bring to this discussion apart from your husband's Porsche ?

http://www.jewishjournal.com/keepingthefaith/item/the_problem_with_men_in_sports_cars_20111114

 

Catflap you wouldn`t know a discussion if it bit you on your twitchy tail. This thread is pathetic point scoring with metaphorical refernce to cars Yeah, mines the biggest.....and you say I should grow up? Whatever.

 

Never said I was top of the tree only that I had worked up far enough not to have to have to work unsocial hours. I am also not a band 7... You are a presumptuous soul. If you look back on the thread, it was your friend who started the Porsche discussion. But as you ask, I have nothing left to add to this thread. Have a nice evening

 

Doogle,
I didn't start the car discussion.

I've asked your FHP friend to bring something more to the discussion and I'm waiting for a response. As they are a troll I doubt we'll get one. And they have just confirmed that...

If you think this thread isn't mature enough for you how about you uplift it a bit?

How about we go back to my previous points about the dangers of hybrid practitioners ( those wearing both Regulated and none-regulated hats) and the issue of Professional Liability and the potential risk to the patient?

OK , what's your take on that scenario?

 

Oh....all very tetchy! Some of us can't get into podiatry courses. Get me into a pod degree and I'll be over FHP in the blink of an eye.
Keep it polite guys. Please.

 

CCL,

Why is that ?

 

Nothing wrong with this leaflet. No where in this leaflet is she claiming she can do more than what she has been professionally trained to do? I see FHP's as valuable contributors to the foot health world, undertaking the basics of foot care, allowing podiatrists to focus on their more advanced skills. I can't help but see this subject as a form of political snobbery within our industry and feel sorry for the many FHP's being victimized by podiatrists in this way. After all they are trying to earn an honest living, within their professional scope, in the same way as you and I.

 

AdamT,
Can you tell us whether you work in the NHS or in private practice?

I'm glad you mentioned that. Can you tell me what this "professional scope" is and where it is documented and accessible for viewing by the general public?

Many thanks, CF

 

I'm curious. Are FHPs in the UK allowed to use a scalpel? Can they prescribe orthotics? and basically see every kind of patient from the general nail cut to a diabetic needing a full vascular/neurological assessment and possible ongoing care?

I'm wondering if the only thing they can't do is actual nail surgery in that they are not allowed to give LA??

 

Emmers.

answer is:

yes, trained to use a scalpel

yes, see every kind of Pt from general to diabetics

yes, do orthotics .( after extra training)

yes, full vascular and neurological exam and assessment and possible on going care.

No, not nail surgery as that will require L/A and only HCPA reg. can do that.

Hope that helps

 

first off this thread is a complete farce and offers nothing to anyone. secondly anyone can pick up a scalpel, supply orthotics etc.. there is no legislation preventing anyone from doing so

ben

 

blumley,
This thread isn't as much of a farce as the present legislation, which allows someone who has been struck off the HCPC podiatry Register for fraud, to operate a business training FHPs !!!

 

I'm probably going to say a few things that people won't agree with but hey, they're my opinions.
Firstly, I'm not against FHPs (they're not doing anything illegal) but I do think there are things that are wrong with the system that really need to be addressed. Whether they will be I doubt it.

Personally I think it is totally wrong that they are allowed the scope of practice they have especially with the amount of practical experience many undertake to gain the qualification. Degree trained PODs have to undertake 1000 hours of practical experience and even that only gives you the MINIMUM skills to practise as a podiatrist, leaving much room for improvement.

Secondly, the reasons people use for becoming an FHP as opposed to studying to become a Pod are rubbish in my opinion. If you don't have the time, money or ability to move to where the degree is held then you probably should find a different career that fits around your needs/requirements. Some universities offer part time courses, there's a more than generous bursary available for those studying the degree etc.
Luckily legislation prevents this from happening in some other healthcare professions but could you imagine if this was tolerated in other professions? Medicine, nursing, optometry, dentistry etc? I really want to be a [doctor, nurse, optometrist, dentist] but I can't move, afford or find the time for it... it's laughable and would rightly not be tolerated.

I do however think that the FHP course could be good for those seriously considering taking up a degree in podiatry so that they can get some theoretical basics behind them and make a more conscious decision as to whether that is what they want to do.

Thirdly, I know of one FHP who's an FHP because they failed their podiatry degree and I'm sure there's also podiatrists who've been struck off by the HCPC and have become FHPs to get around the fact thereby making a mockery of both the degree and public protection etc.

I know the FHP programmes do limit you in some areas i.e. not being able to work in the NHS, no medicine exemptions, nail surgery and LA etc so I don't think FHPs are the dangerous people that some like to make out. That said, I think it would be more appropriate if the FHP courses where actually podiatry assistant courses with the FHP courses being exactly the same across providers with an actual defined scope of practice perhaps offered by city and guilds or some other vocational provider.
This would allow them to work in private practice alongside podiatrists, performing simple tasks such as toe nail clipping and debridement of callus etc. They can then go on and study podiatry in the future if they wish.

Maybe regulating podiatry assistants is an avenue to look at? That way any podiatry assistant working outside their scope of practice, unsupervised etc could be dealt with.

Would like to say though that whilst I have problems with the FHP courses, what they allow you to do etc I do not have a problem with the people who are FHPs I just think there are a lot of problems outside of their control that should be addressed with legislation and so forth to make it a safer environment for patients and a more harmonious one for podiatrists, FHPs etc where each has a clearly defined role, is regulated, and where all workers within the podiatry team are supported etc.

Just my two cents, feel free to agree, disagree and so forth

 

I don't think many people would disagree with the main thrust of your argument. In fact the IOCP used to run a City & Guilds certified course, but, it was very tough and there were a number of internal constraints that prevented wide uptake, although there was a formal 'cross-over' into one of the Pod Schools as you suggest. The issue is really not FHP versus no FHP but one of control. For historical reasons, the podiatry profession has failed to control the treatment of feet whereas the medical and dental professions have controlled medicine and dentistry. The perception of governmental bodies is that foot treatment is not dangerous - QED - why does it need to be controlled? The point that I am making is that in the past,l the profession has failed to embrace change to an alarming degree and failed to present itself as a force for change. To a great extent this would not matter if it was not continuing its flabby, emasculated and sycophantic meanderings; however, sadly, it is! You really cannot blame more active, enthusiastic people and organisations from stepping in where they can do so legally and properly when a supine profession allows it.

Bill Liggins