About us

At South Devon Foot Clinic we are passionate about delivering high quality Podiatry care to support your individual needs. ‘You’ our patients, are our number one priority and we want to ensure that we keep you on your feet.

We can provide prompt and efficient Podiatry care on a fee paying basis.

Our clinic hours are as follows:

Monday 08:30 – 17:30

Tuesday 09:00 – 17:30

Wednesday 09:00 – 17:30

Thursday 09:00 – 17:30

Friday 09:00 – 17:30

Helen Jones BSc (Hons), MCRPod

Founder, Clinical Lead & Specialist Consulting Podiatrist | South Devon Foot Clinic

Helen is the founder and Clinical Lead of South Devon Foot Clinic, bringing extensive experience across 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, is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the Royal College of Podiatry.

Having established and developed South Devon Foot Clinic, Helen has transitioned away from routine face-to-face appointments to focus on the clinical leadership, management and continued development of the practice, whilst remaining actively involved in patient care through specialist online podiatry and musculoskeletal consultations.

Drawing upon her years of clinical experience and broad knowledge of foot and lower limb conditions, Helen continues to provide professional advice, second opinions and individualised guidance to both new and existing patients.

Her vision remains unchanged: to provide a trusted, professional and welcoming environment where patients feel listened to, supported and confident in the care they receive.

Specialist Online Podiatry & Musculoskeletal Consultations

Experienced clinical advice and guidance, wherever you are.

Although Helen no longer provides routine hands-on appointments at South Devon Foot Clinic, she continues to make her clinical expertise available through dedicated online consultations.

Helen recognises that not every foot or lower limb concern requires an immediate physical examination. In many circumstances, patients benefit enormously from having the opportunity to discuss their symptoms, understand previous diagnoses, explore treatment options and receive clear, informed advice about the most appropriate next steps.

Her online consultations offer dedicated time for patients to discuss their concerns directly with an experienced podiatrist, drawing upon her broad clinical background and particular interest in musculoskeletal and biomechanical conditions.

These consultations are available to both new and existing patients, whether seeking initial advice, further guidance on an ongoing condition or an additional professional opinion.

Areas in which Helen can provide online advice and guidance include:

  • Musculoskeletal foot, ankle and lower limb concerns
  • Persistent or recurring foot pain
  • Biomechanical concerns and orthotic therapy
  • Review of existing diagnoses and treatment recommendations
  • Discussion of imaging reports and previous clinical investigations
  • Rehabilitation, footwear advice and conservative management strategies
  • Second opinions and specialist podiatric guidance
  • Advice on appropriate referrals, further investigations or face-to-face assessments

Where appropriate, Helen can review existing clinical information and undertake limited visual or functional observations during a video consultation.

Whilst online appointments cannot replace a comprehensive physical examination, they can provide valuable clinical insight, reassurance, education and direction, helping patients make informed decisions about their foot health.

Helen’s approach is centred on understanding the individual, rather than simply addressing a collection of symptoms.

Online consultations can be booked through South Devon Foot Clinic’s appointment system.

Clinical Background & Areas of Expertise

Throughout her clinical career, Helen has developed extensive experience in assessing, diagnosing and managing a broad range of foot and lower limb conditions.

Her clinical background encompasses:

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

This breadth of experience provides a strong foundation for Helen’s specialist advisory consultations and continues to inform her leadership of South Devon Foot Clinic.

A Personal and Holistic Approach to Care

Helen has always believed that effective podiatric care involves far more than treating the presenting complaint.

Understanding each patient’s medical history, lifestyle, concerns and individual goals is fundamental to identifying appropriate treatment and management strategies.

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

Recognising the impact that foot and lower limb problems can have on everyday life, Helen has consistently advocated a holistic approach that considers mobility, independence, confidence and overall wellbeing.

She is particularly passionate about patient education and empowering individuals to better understand their conditions, recognise their treatment options and take an active role in managing their own foot health.

These principles remain central to both her online consultations and the wider ethos of South Devon Foot Clinic.

Professional Background & Clinical Leadership

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

Her subsequent experience across NHS and private healthcare provided a comprehensive foundation in podiatric medicine, encompassing routine clinical care, complex presentations and the management of long-term conditions.

Helen has also undertaken additional training in dermatological assessment, further developing her knowledge of skin and nail pathology and the recognition of conditions requiring investigation or specialist referral.

As Founder and Clinical Lead, Helen continues to oversee the strategic direction and development of South Devon Foot Clinic, supporting the clinical team and promoting the professional standards upon which the practice was established.

Her responsibilities include maintaining a focus on patient safety, supporting professional development, promoting continuity of care and ensuring that the clinic continues to provide an approachable, patient-centred service.

The clinic’s podiatrists and foot health practitioners independently undertake face-to-face assessments and treatments within their respective professional scopes of practice, whilst Helen remains available for specialist online consultations.

This model allows patients to benefit from both an established local clinical team and continued access to Helen’s experience and specialist knowledge.

Community Engagement & Professional Recognition

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

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

This 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 played an important role in coordinating the Forgotten Feet volunteer clinic in Plymouth, helping provide essential podiatric care to people experiencing homelessness and social disadvantage.

Her involvement in these initiatives reflects her belief that access to appropriate foot healthcare can make a meaningful difference to an individual’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
  • AHPRA Registration – POD0004072755
  • Additional training in dermatological assessment with Primary Care Dermatology Society

Continuing the Vision for South Devon Foot Clinic

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

As the practice has developed, so too has its team of dedicated podiatrists and foot health practitioners, who continue to deliver the hands-on care and personal service that patients have come to know and trust.

Whilst Helen’s role has evolved, her commitment to the clinic and its patients remains as strong as ever.

As owner and Clinical Lead, she continues to guide the practice’s development, support its practitioners and uphold the values upon which the business was founded.

Through the introduction of specialist online consultations, Helen is also able to continue sharing her clinical knowledge and experience directly with patients, offering an additional level of professional support alongside the clinic’s established face-to-face services.

Helen remains immensely proud of the practice she has built and the team who continue to care for its patients. Her aim remains to ensure that everyone seeking advice or treatment through South Devon Foot Clinic feels valued, informed and supported in achieving better foot health.

Anita Cassidy | Senior Podiatrist | Diabetes Specialist | BSc (Hons) Podiatry

Anita is a highly experienced and respected podiatrist with over 20 years of clinical practice across NHS and private healthcare settings throughout Devon and Cornwall.

Following qualification, Anita developed her career across both private practice and the NHS, progressing through senior clinical roles before specialising in diabetic foot care. She subsequently became Foot Protection Lead for the NHS podiatry service, a position she held for the final 11 years of her NHS career until her retirement in June 2024.

Throughout her career, Anita has developed extensive expertise in the assessment, treatment and management of complex foot conditions, with particular specialism in diabetic foot health, wound management, ulcer prevention and the management of patients at increased risk of foot complications.

Her senior NHS responsibilities encompassed advanced wound care, medication prescribing and review, multidisciplinary working, clinical risk management, mentoring healthcare professionals and students, and contributing to service development, clinical audits and professional education.

Anita brings this wealth of clinical knowledge and experience to South Devon Foot Clinic, providing comprehensive podiatric care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

Areas of Clinical Expertise

  • Routine podiatry and chiropody care
  • Nail care and management of thickened or pathological toenails
  • Corn and callus reduction
  • Verruca assessment and treatment
  • Ingrowing toenail management and nail surgery
  • Diabetic foot assessments and risk stratification
  • Comprehensive neurological and vascular assessments
  • Assessment and management of complex and high-risk feet
  • Wound care, ulcer management and prevention
  • Simple biomechanical assessments and insole provision
  • Preventative foot care and patient education
  • Identification and management of conditions requiring specialist intervention or onward referral

A Friendly and Personal Approach to Care

Alongside her extensive clinical expertise, Anita is known for her calm, friendly and reassuring manner.

She understands that foot problems can have a significant impact on everyday life, affecting confidence, mobility and independence. Whether treating a straightforward nail concern or managing a more complex foot condition, Anita takes time to listen, understand individual needs and ensure patients feel comfortable and involved in their treatment.

Her years of experience have given her a particularly strong appreciation of the importance of preventative care, early intervention and building lasting relationships with patients.

Anita is passionate about helping people remain mobile, comfortable and active, and takes pride in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Professional Background

Anita’s career has included senior NHS podiatry appointments, specialist diabetic foot care and leadership of the NHS Foot Protection Service.

Her experience extends beyond direct patient treatment to include mentoring and supporting fellow healthcare professionals, contributing to clinical policy and service development, and presenting at professional conferences and seminars.

She continues to bring this breadth of knowledge to private practice, combining specialist clinical expertise with a practical, compassionate approach to everyday foot care.

Anita currently works in private practice across Plymouth and Cornwall and is delighted to be part of the team at South Devon Foot Clinic.

With over two decades of clinical experience, Anita offers patients the reassurance of expert podiatric care, delivered with warmth, professionalism and a genuine commitment to their long-term foot health.

Alyson Leetham | Foot Health Practitioner

Aly is a qualified Foot Health Practitioner who brings a comprehensive knowledge of routine foot health care, supported by clinical training and mentoring in the assessment, treatment and ongoing management of common foot conditions.

Working alongside our podiatrists at South Devon Foot Clinic, Aly provides professional, patient-centred foot care, with a particular emphasis on maintaining comfort, mobility and independence.

Her clinical approach combines practical treatment skills with preventative care, patient education and the early identification of conditions that may require further podiatric assessment.

Aly is fully professionally insured and a member of the Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners, reflecting her commitment to safe, professional practice and high standards of patient care.

Areas of Clinical Practice

  • Routine foot care and nail maintenance
  • Management of thickened and pathological toenails
  • Corn and callus reduction
  • Assessment of common skin and nail conditions
  • Conservative management of common foot health concerns
  • Preventative foot care and maintenance
  • Foot health education and individualised self-care advice
  • Recognition of conditions requiring further podiatric assessment
  • Ongoing routine foot care for patients requiring regular treatment

A Friendly and Personal Approach to Care

Aly brings a wealth of experience from her previous professional career, having worked as a Chartered Surveyor before moving into business, customer service and team management.

Throughout her career, working with people has always been something she particularly enjoys. Her warm, approachable manner and natural ability to put people at ease are qualities she brings to her clinical practice.

Aly understands that visiting a foot clinic can sometimes feel daunting, particularly for those experiencing discomfort or feeling self-conscious about their feet. She takes time to listen, understand individual concerns and ensure patients feel comfortable, reassured and involved in their treatment.

She believes that building trust and a good rapport is an important part of providing a positive treatment experience and takes pride in delivering attentive, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Aly is passionate about helping people maintain healthy, comfortable feet and supporting their ability to remain active and independent.

Professional Background

Prior to pursuing her career in foot health, Aly enjoyed a varied professional background encompassing commercial property, business management and customer service.

Her experience working with people from all walks of life has helped develop her strong communication skills, attention to detail and professional yet personable approach.

She holds a Level 4 Diploma in Foot Health Care Practice, is fully professionally insured and is a member of the Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners. She has also completed Life Support First Aid training.

Working within our podiatry-led clinic, Aly combines her clinical knowledge with ongoing professional support and collaboration, ensuring patients receive appropriate care and access to further podiatric assessment when required.

Outside the Clinic

Aly lives locally in the South Hams and has two grown-up children. She enjoys an active lifestyle, particularly walking, skiing and her daily sea swim – whatever the Devon weather!

Her philosophy on life is simple: try not to take life too seriously, enjoy meeting people and make the most of every day.

Aly particularly enjoys getting to know her patients and looks forward to building lasting relationships and becoming a familiar face at South Devon Foot Clinic.

With her friendly, attentive approach and commitment to delivering high-quality routine foot care, Aly is a valued addition to our growing clinical team.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY…

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Susie Abraham
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Exceptional service, great hands and a skilled professional, always professional, warm and welcoming with a great knowledge set to care for your feet. Good communicator and her supporting letter opened the doors for my follow through treatment. Highly recommended.
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Maura Moore profile picture
Maura Moore
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Great treatment in a relaxed atmosphere. Helen is friendly, efficient and knowledgeable.
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PhilandSue Mansfield profile picture
PhilandSue Mansfield
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Helen was very friendly and clearly very knowledgeable. Her treatment was Exemplary and her surgery spotless
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Derek Andrews profile picture
Derek Andrews
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Very professional organisation, who put the patient at ease. The follow up on what arose on my last visit was covered .
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simon cox
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No problems here. Very professional and great integrity and pride in delivering satisfaction, totally client focused.
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Paul Fleming profile picture
Paul Fleming
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Very professional but friendly at the same time
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Denise Edmonds profile picture
Denise Edmonds
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Helen is always welcoming and professional on each occasion I’ve attended her clinic. Excellent service.
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S M
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A very helpful appointment which has made such a difference to overall comfort. Also really easy to book online. Thank you Helen
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Lydia profile picture
Lydia
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Going to the South Devon Foot Clinic is a regular pleasure for me. Helen is warm, friendly and an expert at what she does.
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Ros Thomas profile picture
Ros Thomas
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I found the service excellent. A previously diagnosed corn was indeed a verucca. Also three small corns identified under toe that I thought was an in growing nail. Don was great, gentle and reassuringly efficient. I have booked a follow up appointment and I am pain free. Thank you

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE

The Royal College of Podiatry exists to ensure the public has access to high quality foot care delivered by qualified and regulated professionals.
To ensure that you are being well looked after by our Podiatrists, please click on the following links to see our profiles on specific regulatory registers.

 

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OUR TREATMENTS

As Podiatrists, we have a wide scope of practice to support you with all your foot health needs.