Early access to podiatry can prevent wounds, hospital admissions, and long-term complications. This session explores how the First Contact Podiatrist (FCP) model delivers prevention at the point of need through timely assessment, same-day management, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Drawing on real-world experience from East London, Safeena Zaman demonstrates how FCP podiatry reduces GP workload, improves outcomes, and supports the NHS prevention agenda by placing podiatry at the very start of the patient journey.

• By the end of this session, delegates will be able to:
• Understand the role of the First Contact Podiatrist in early identification and management of lower-limb complications within primary care.
• Recognise how early podiatry intervention supports the NHS prevention agenda and reduces demand on GPs and secondary care.
• Explore practical examples of multidisciplinary working that improve timely access, continuity, and patient outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to integrate First Contact Podiatry pathways within their own local systems to support proactive, community-based care.