Helen Jones BSc (Hons), MCRPod

Founder & Clinical Lead | South Devon Foot Clinic

Helen is the founder and Clinical Lead of South Devon Foot Clinic, bringing experience across both NHS and private healthcare settings and a longstanding commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based podiatric care.

A graduate of the University of Plymouth, Helen holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Podiatry and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). She is also a member of the Royal College of Podiatry.

Having established and developed South Devon Foot Clinic, Helen has now stepped back from regular clinical practice to focus on the management, oversight and continued development of the clinic.

Although she is no longer routinely seeing patients, Helen remains actively involved in supporting the clinical team, maintaining professional standards and ensuring that the welcoming, patient-centred approach on which the clinic was founded continues.

Her vision remains unchanged: to provide a trusted, professional environment where patients receive individualised care from experienced and approachable practitioners.

Clinical Background & Areas of Expertise

Throughout her clinical career, Helen has developed experience in the assessment and management of a broad range of foot and lower limb conditions.

Her clinical background includes:

• Comprehensive podiatric assessment and treatment
• Routine podiatry and chiropody care
• Nail care and management of pathological toenails
• Ingrowing toenail management and nail surgery
• Corn and callus reduction
• Verruca assessment and treatment
• Dermatological assessment of skin and nail conditions
• Fungal nail assessment and management
• Diabetic foot assessments and risk stratification
• Neurological and vascular assessments
• Musculoskeletal and biomechanical assessments
• Orthotic therapy and bespoke orthotic prescription
• Assessment and management of foot and lower limb pain
• Preventative foot care and patient education
• Supporting patients with complex medical needs and long-term health conditions

This breadth of clinical experience continues to inform Helen’s approach to overseeing the practice and supporting its practitioners.

A Personal and Holistic Approach to Care

Helen has always believed that good podiatry goes beyond simply treating the presenting problem.

Understanding each patient’s lifestyle, medical history, concerns and individual goals is central to providing effective and meaningful care.

Throughout her career, she has developed a particular interest in supporting people living with complex and long-term health conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Recognising the impact that foot problems can have on everyday life, Helen has consistently championed a holistic approach that considers not only foot health but also mobility, independence, confidence and overall wellbeing.

These principles remain central to the ethos of South Devon Foot Clinic and are reflected in the approach of the practitioners who now provide day-to-day patient care.

Helen is particularly passionate about clear communication, patient education and ensuring that individuals feel listened to, respected and involved in decisions about their treatment.

Professional Background & Clinical Leadership

Prior to qualifying as a podiatrist, Helen worked within the education sector, developing communication, leadership and mentoring skills that have continued to shape her professional career.

Her subsequent experience across NHS and private healthcare provided a broad foundation in podiatric medicine, including the assessment and management of routine, complex and long-term foot health conditions.

Helen has also undertaken additional training in dermatological assessment, strengthening her knowledge of skin and nail presentations and the importance of recognising conditions requiring further investigation or specialist referral.

As Founder and Clinical Lead, Helen now concentrates on the wider management and clinical direction of South Devon Foot Clinic.

Her responsibilities include supporting the development of the clinical team, promoting professional standards, maintaining a focus on patient safety and helping ensure continuity of care.

While the clinic’s practitioners independently deliver their own clinical assessments and treatments within their professional scope of practice, Helen continues to provide leadership and support behind the scenes.

This allows the clinic to maintain the values and standards established since its foundation while benefiting from the knowledge and experience of a growing team.

Community Engagement & Professional Recognition

Helen is passionate about using her professional knowledge and experience to make a positive difference beyond the clinic.

Her commitment to innovation and community engagement was recognised nationally when she received a Leadership Award from Tomorrow’s Podiatrists for founding the Footwear for Re-Wear Project.

The initiative collected and redistributed quality footwear to refugees across the UK and Europe, providing practical support to individuals and families in need.

Helen has also been closely involved in coordinating the Forgotten Feet volunteer clinic in Plymouth, supporting access to essential foot care for people experiencing homelessness and social disadvantage.

These initiatives reflect her belief that access to appropriate foot healthcare can make a meaningful difference to people’s comfort, dignity, mobility and quality of life.

Professional Qualifications & Memberships

• BSc (Hons) Podiatry – University of Plymouth
• HCPC Registered Podiatrist – CH35425
• Member of the Royal College of Podiatry – 35835
• Additional training in dermatological assessment

Continuing the Vision for South Devon Foot Clinic

Helen founded South Devon Foot Clinic with a simple vision: to provide professional, accessible and compassionate podiatric care within the local community.

As the practice has grown, so too has the team of dedicated podiatrists and foot health practitioners who share her commitment to high standards and excellent patient care.

Although Helen has stepped away from regular clinical appointments, she remains the owner and Clinical Lead of South Devon Foot Clinic, continuing to guide its development and support the team.

Patients can therefore be reassured that the clinic continues to operate with the same values, professionalism and personal approach that have always been at the heart of the practice.

Helen remains immensely proud of the clinic she has built and the team who continue to care for its patients, helping people stay comfortable, mobile and confident on their feet.