A new NHS podiatry clinic at the University of Brighton has been officially launched, creating more than 4,500 additional appointments each year for patients while giving the region’s next generation of podiatrists greater access to hands-on clinical experience. Since the opening in July, over 600 people have attended appointments at the clinic.
The new facility is the result of a partnership between the University of Brighton and Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, bringing NHS services and podiatry education together in a modern clinical environment. It was officially opened at a launch event on 6 October, attended by senior NHS and University representatives and guests from across the health and education sectors.
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust receives around 9,300 patient referrals to podiatry services each year. The additional capacity provided by the new clinic will enable more people across West Sussex and Brighton & Hove to access timely, high-quality care.
Siobhan Melia, Chief Executive of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This new clinic is fantastic news for our patients. At the heart of this new clinic is our commitment to helping more people access timely, high-quality podiatry care in a modern clinical environment.
“It also has a special personal significance for me, as my own journey to becoming an NHS Chief Executive began here, as a podiatry student at the University of Brighton. I’m incredibly proud that our partnership will help patients get the care they need while giving future podiatrists the clinical experience and opportunities that were so important at the start of my own career.”
The partnership comes at a time when the podiatry profession faces significant workforce challenges. The latest data from the Health and Care Professions Council shows that the number of registered podiatrists has fallen by nearly 9 per cent over the past five years. The Royal College of Podiatry also estimates that 2,319 current podiatrists could leave the profession between 2024 and 2028, highlighting the importance of developing the next generation of practitioners.
Demand for care continues to grow, particularly as diabetes rates rise. By 2030, one in ten adults is expected to be living with diabetes, and this year alone an estimated 1.2 million people across the UK will require podiatry support to prevent ulceration and amputation.
The new clinic will also bring a direct benefit to patients, increasing capacity and helping more people access NHS podiatry care.
Alongside expanding care for local communities, the clinic will provide students on the University’s BSc (Hons) Podiatry course with hands-on experience of working alongside NHS practitioners in a live clinical environment. Students begin clinical placements in their first year, with placements becoming more complex in Years 2 and 3 as they develop their skills and experience. The clinic will give students the opportunity to put their learning into practice, build their confidence and experience working as part of a professional healthcare team.
The University of Brighton has a long history of leadership in podiatry education, having created the UK’s first undergraduate podiatry degree. It is now the only institution in the South East offering preregistration podiatry training.
Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: “The opening of this new clinic is a significant milestone for the University of Brighton, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and, most importantly, for our students and the communities we serve.
“Practice-based education is central to preparing healthcare professionals for the realities of their future careers. By bringing students and NHS practitioners together in a live clinical environment, this partnership gives our students the opportunity to learn from experts, develop their confidence and graduate ready to make a real difference to the NHS and to patients.
“That combination of education, partnership and impact is at the heart of what the University of Brighton is here to do. We are proud to be working with our NHS partners to create opportunities for our students, strengthen the future healthcare workforce and contribute to a healthier and more resilient region.”
The new clinic also supports a smoother transition from university into NHS employment, giving students the practical experience and skills needed to become work-ready graduates.
The new podiatry clinic is located within the University of Brighton’s Brighton Sport & Health Complex, Village Way, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9SG. The facility is a short walk from Falmer railway station and is served by regular bus services.
Accessibility has also been a key priority in the design of the new clinic. The site has more parking, blue badge spaces close to the entrance and improved access for people with disabilities.
The clinic is part of the University of Brighton’s wider commitment to practice-based healthcare education and working with NHS partners to develop the skilled workforce needed by local communities.
