University of Western Australia: New UWA podiatric surgery hospital to get patients back on their feet

The opening of The University of Western Australia’s Podiatric Surgery Hospital means patients needing surgery for bunions, flat feet and other lower limb conditions now have more treatment options.

The UWA Podiatric Surgery Hospital will offer subsidised treatment without a waitlist, at the only purpose-built facility for podiatric surgery training in Australia.

Until now, patients seeking podiatric surgery have either needed private health insurance, or to join the public hospital waitlist – often while enduring pain or struggling to walk.

UWA Podiatry Clinic Director Dr Burke Hugo said the surgery offered a valuable community service – both for patients needing immediate care, and for the training of highly sought after podiatric surgeons.

“There are less than 40 podiatric surgeons registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency nationwide, and at UWA we offer the only Doctor of Podiatric Surgery course in Australia,” Dr Hugo said.

“Our Doctor of Podiatric Surgery students act as surgical assistants, always under the supervision of a registered podiatric surgeon who has full responsibility for patient care.

“The Podiatric Surgery Hospital is more than a valuable training facility – it also offers patients quality care that’s both accessible and affordable.”

Dr Burke Hugo
“The Podiatric Surgery Hospital is more than a valuable training facility – it also offers patients quality care that’s both accessible and affordable.”

The surgery includes an audio-visual link to a student theatre, where lecturers can talk through the surgery in real time.

UWA has about 80 podiatry students, with career progression opportunities making podiatry “very attractive for anyone working in allied health who wants to make a difference”, according to Dr Hugo.