The Manx Diabetic Group is seeking assurance from health chiefs that annual foot checks will continue to be a part of the proper care of diabetic patients.

We reported last month that some 875 diabetic patients have been forced to wait longer to have their annual feet check.

The service is crucial for diabetics to prevent damage to their feet and guard against the risk of amputation.

Manx Diabetic Group chairman Joanne Clague said: ’People with diabetes know more than most that prevention is better than cure and we’re extremely concerned about any reduction in services.’

After receiving a letter on August 20 from the DHSC about the delays, type 2 diabetic David McWilliams has expressed his frustration.

The 73-year-old, who is totally blind, said he’s meant to have a foot check every eight weeks. This has moved to 12 weeks due to staffing issues.

Mr McWilliams, of Ballasalla, said: ’I was seen on June 6 at Thie Rosien in Port Erin and then on September 11. That’s over three months!

’Podiatry’s there to look after diabetic patients. They’re just messing with people’s lives. It’s not fair to us.

’If you’re seen on a regular basis, problems can be identified at an early stage. Prevention is better than cure.’

He added: ’I can understand that the service is stretched at the moment. They should have thought "In another month or two we’re going to lose some podiatrists. We should get some staff trained up".’

NICE guidelines state that diabetic patients with a low risk of developing a problem should have foot checks annually. Patients with a moderate or high risk, like those with previous ulceration, should be checked more often.

Mrs Clague said: ’The letter from the DHSC seems to suggest that routine podiatry is not available for a number of reasons, including staff shortages. This is across both adult and children’s services.

’Under NICE guidelines, all diabetics are entitled to certain checks that help prevent complications of the condition.

’People with diabetes know more than most that prevention is better than cure and we’re extremely concerned about any reduction in services.’

She added: ’We would like reassurances from the DHSC that annual foot checks will continue to be a part of the proper care of diabetics in the Isle of Man.’

A DHSC spokesman said the service has two vacancies after two podiatrists left the island this summer. And it has created four new full-time posts with interviews taking place ’in a few weeks’ time’.

The spokesman said it was difficult to attract high quality staff. The current podiatry team consists of: a clinical lead; three advanced specialist podiatrists; five community podiatrists; one podiatry assistant. All are full-time.

A spokesman previously said: ’In order to meet increasing demand, an additional podiatry assistant will be appointed to a pro-active, preventative role in the community, advising and educating staff in care homes, patients and their carers.’