IMPROVEMENTS to foot care services for people with diabetes are set to be introduced.

Patients' feet will be examined to determine a risk score, and then treatment and care will be tailored to meet individual needs, meaning those in worse conditions will get specialist help sooner.

The changes are being made by the North East Essex Diabetes Service (NEEDS) in partnership with Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE), and Colchester General Hospital to comply with the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on foot care.

Clinical lead for the NEEDS footcare service Dr Charles Bodmer said: "I am very pleased with developments we have been making over the last two years to provide the highest quality services for people with diabetes.

"The changes for foot care bring together the specialists who are needed to help reduce the burden of foot disease and amputation.

"Emphasising the need for self-care of feet by individuals themselves is vitally important."

With the new guidance, nail cutting will no longer be routinely offered at podiatry clinics but patients will be supported to self-manage and allow them to spot problems and know when to ask for help.

Anyone who thinks they have problems with their feet should call NEEDS on 0845 241 3313 or ACE podiatry on 0300 0032 144.