Decision Report 202003093

Summary

C complained about the treatment for a leg wound which they had received from a podiatrist (a physician who specialises in the study and medical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower extremity). C felt that the podiatrist was rough and that they had provided inappropriate treatment as the wound had increased in size. C, who has a history of cardiovascular disease (disorders of the heart) and other health issues, required regular podiatry treatment to treat their toes and feet for ulcers. C began to have concerns about a number of podiatrists who had treated them. In particular, C felt that one podiatrist was irate when they had to wait a time for C to answer the door due to their poor mobility. C also found that the wound appeared to worsen after the podiatrist's care.

We took independent advice from an adviser and found that from a clinical perspective, the treatment provided by the podiatrist was reasonable. There was evidence that informed consent for treatment was obtained from C and that their leg wound was treated in accordance with recognised procedures.

We did not uphold the complaint.