Footpal is a foot health care practice run by Vida Bonell. Vida was previously an NHS nurse (30 years+ Registered Nurse experience) working in hospitals for many years (medical, surgical, casualty, ICU etc).
Practice Nursing/ Diabetes Care
Later Vida qualified in primary care at Reading University. Her case study presentation/specialism was wound management.
Her interest in this area continued with further training including a course at the University of Surrey which also also covered Doppler assessment (used to check for circulation issues).
Vida gained 15 years of valuable experience as a practice nurse at NHS GP practices in Berkshire and Guildford. This covered a wide range of conditions with a particular focus on diabetes as part of a care team after completion of a Diploma in Diabetes care at Warwick University.
As leg and foot care is so important for diabetic care, it was natural for Vida to go on to study foot care.
Foot Health Practice
Vida qualified at The SMAE Institute as a Foot Health Practitioner. After operating foot care clinics at GP surgeries in the Guildford area for several years, she now has a clinic based at Guildford Borough Council’s ‘The Hive’ community centre and offers home visits.
She takes a holistic approach to her foot care clients by taking into account physical and mental health conditions (such as dementia) and medications which may be relevant. You can read more about this focus here.
Vida and Footpal are often recommended by GPs, charities and other health professionals. One of Guildford’s NHS hospitals now arranges for visits in the ward by Vida on behalf of patients.
Vida is fully insured, background (DBS) checked and continually updates her professional knowledge.
In some cases we may assess that clients need more complex treatment or wish to see an HCPC-registered chiropodist/podiatrist. Footpal is able to make referrals to suitable chiropody/podiatry practitioners and NHS services.
