DCHS Podiatry Service goes digital to improve access
From April 2026, Derbyshire Community Health Services’ Community Podiatry team will move to a fully digital self-referral system.
Paper referral forms will be phased out over a three-month transition period, with all referrals required via SystmConnect, a secure online portal that allows patients and healthcare professionals to complete referrals digitally, by 1 July 2026.
- Urgent
- Priority
- Routine
- Group Education Session
- Not eligible for NHS treatment
High-risk cases may require only two key questions to trigger urgent assessment, while less urgent cases include additional medical history to support accurate triage.
The service aims to see urgent referrals within one week and priority cases within six weeks. No patient will wait longer than 43 weeks.
Support is available for patients who are unable to complete the online form themselves. A telephone service is in place, and patients can also be supported by family members, carers or friends. GPs may continue to submit traditional referrals; however, these may take longer to process.
This digital transition is designed to provide faster, fairer and more efficient access to podiatry care - ensuring Derbyshire patients receive the right treatment at the right time.