Canberra Health Services Interdisciplinary High-Risk Foot Service Overview

This document is a synopsis of the Canberra Health Services Interdisciplinary High-Risk Foot Service (CHS iHRFS) established in 2013. It outlines the service's operational model, which utilizes a hub and spoke approach, with Canberra Hospital serving as the central hub. The service collaborates with various health disciplines to provide integrated care for patients with high-risk foot complications across the ACT and Southern NSW regions. The CHS iHRFS aims to improve patient outcomes through interdisciplinary referrals and integrated care, addressing the rising demand for outpatient podiatry services. The document details the service's funding model, referral processes, and the role of the Tissue Viability Unit in enhancing wound management skills among nursing staff. It also discusses the challenges faced by patients in Southern NSW due to the lack of local podiatry services and the efforts made to provide outreach and education to nursing staff in the region. The CHS iHRFS continues to evolve, seeking to expand its services and improve patient access.