The Royal College of Podiatry
(RCPod) has today published its 2026 manifesto for Wales,
calling on the next Welsh Government to prioritise foot and lower
limb health as a foundation of healthcare transformation.
As the professional body and trade union for podiatry in the UK,
the RCPod is urging policymakers in Wales to recognise the vital
role podiatry plays in preventing disease, reducing hospital
admissions and supporting healthy ageing — particularly through
integrated, community-based care.
The manifesto outlines four key recommendations:
-
Targeting investment in NHS podiatry services in underserved
areas to tackle health inequalities and ensure timely access
to care
-
Creating a national workforce strategy to address declining
numbers and an ageing workforce, with investment in
recruitment, retention and training
-
Expanding training routes to include degree apprenticeships
and earn-as-you-learn options to widen access into the
profession
-
Investing in NHS podiatry services within primary and
community care, including First Point of Contact roles, to
improve patient outcomes and reduce pressure on acute
services.
Lawrence Ambrose, Head of Policy and Public Affairs,
said:
“Podiatrists play a vital role in keeping people mobile,
independent and out of hospital. In Wales we're seeing a rising
demand for foot and lower limb care alongside a shrinking
workforce. Whoever forms the next Welsh Government must act to
invest in podiatry services and create new pathways into the
profession so that every community can access the care they
need.”
The manifesto highlights the urgent need for change to ensure
that podiatry is fully integrated into community health services,
enabling earlier intervention, better outcomes and more efficient
use of NHS resources.
You can read the Welsh manifesto
here.
You can read a Welsh language
version of the manifesto here.
