A diabetic foot occurs when the structure of the foot is damaged by wounds, ulcers, or fractures — including infected wounds. It develops when the nerves in the limbs are damaged, a condition known as neuropathy, and is most common in people whose diabetes is poorly controlled.
The main goal of the Diabetic Foot Clinic is to treat these complications in order to save the foot, and in some cases the leg. To do this, the clinic’s care includes wound debridement, identifying the bacteria involved and prescribing the appropriate antibiotic treatment, removing infected tissue, X-ray imaging, supportive treatments, and the prevention of infection through specialised diabetic footwear and insoles.
Preventive care is usually provided by diabetes nurses within the HMOs. This clinic treats cases where that preventive care was unsuccessful or was never carried out.
Regular assessment of the at-risk foot, including circulation, skin condition, sensation, and loss of movement
Tests and assessments recorded on a computerised chart
Recommendations and guidance on self-care, hygiene, diet, suitable footwear, insoles, and orthopaedic aids
Treatment of infections
The hospital is independent of the HMO, and members of all HMOs are accepted there.
Members of Meuhedet HMO and Maccabi are admitted to the clinic by presentation of a referral only or by payment according to the hospital's price list.
As part of the agreements with Clalit and Leumit HMOs, Forms 17 will be given to the outpatient clinics, or a payment will be made according to the hospital's price list.
