A man from Egglescliffe has praised NHS staff after their advice to get more active helped transform his health.
Joseph Telford was experiencing pain in his left foot after suffering with an ulcer when he was referred to the podiatry team at University Hospitals Tees.
As part of his treatment Joseph – who is diabetic – was booked for a specialist call about issues he was having palpating (feeling) the pulses in his feet.
During this consultation he was given advice around exercising more to help improve his circulation – something that helps the smaller arteries to enlarge and carry more blood.
This then helps carry more oxygen to the muscles and skin, reducing a patient’s risk of ulceration and improving the ability to recover more quickly from issues.
Joseph, who is 75, explains: “Back in January last year, I walked into a door and hurt my toe. It seemed badly damaged. My GP put me on antibiotics, which helped, but the toe went from painful to black, at which point I was referred on to podiatry.
“Since then, I’ve been to Hartlepool, Billingham, Eaglescliffe and a few other places for my treatment. I went through rounds of dressings — weekly, then fortnightly, then four‑weekly, six‑weekly — and now I see the team every eight weeks for a review. The toe is fixed.
“Wherever I’ve been, and whoever has treated me, they’ve all been incredibly helpful. I can’t tell you how understanding they’ve been. They’re absolutely marvellous.”
Walking helping improve overall health
Joseph now goes for regular walks, either on his own or with his wife Rita, who is 71.
“The team have given me that advice to do as much as I can when it comes to exercise – and because of that not only has my recovery been faster but it has helped other issues I have with my heart.
“I am now doing lengthy walks without any breathlessness at all.
“I’ve also ended up with a much better experience of being outdoors, walking, and enjoying the countryside again.”
The podiatry service not only runs clinics for patients at hospital sites at Hartlepool and Stockton but at various community locations.
Andrea Deiac, podiatrist, said: “It’s fantastic to see that Mr Telford has made such great progress – thanks to both the expert advice of the team but also to his dedication in following this advice and support.
“We first booked him for a specialist test known as an ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI), where we tested the pressure of blood flow in the feet and legs. At this test we also and provide patients with empowering advice to help them improve their circulation to improve quality of life and avoid ulcerations developing.
“It’s great he has followed our advice and is recovering and feeling better in himself as a result.”