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

Meet Helen Jones | Clinic Founder & Clinical Lead | BSc (Hons) Podiatry | HCPC Registered Podiatrist

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

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

Helen provides comprehensive podiatric assessment and treatment for patients of all ages, with particular interests in musculoskeletal conditions, dermatological assessment and supporting individuals living with complex and long-term health conditions.

Her approach combines clinical expertise with a strong emphasis on preventative care, patient education and individualised treatment planning, helping patients maintain comfort, mobility and independence.

Areas of Clinical Expertise

  • 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
  • Ongoing foot care for patients with complex medical needs

A Personal and Holistic Approach to Care

Helen believes that good podiatry goes beyond simply treating the presenting problem. Understanding each patient’s lifestyle, medical history, concerns and individual goals is central to delivering effective, meaningful care.

She has a particular interest in supporting patients living with long-term and complex health conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Recognising the significant impact that foot problems can have on everyday life, Helen takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering not only foot health but also mobility, independence, confidence and overall wellbeing.

Her friendly, approachable manner helps patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns, while her emphasis on clear communication ensures they understand their condition and the treatment options available to them.

Helen is passionate about empowering patients through education and evidence-based treatment, encouraging them to take an active role in their healthcare decisions.

Professional Background & Clinical Leadership

Prior to qualifying as a podiatrist, Helen worked within the education sector, developing strong communication, leadership and mentoring skills that continue to shape her approach to clinical practice.

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

Helen has undertaken additional training in dermatological assessment, strengthening her ability to recognise and assess a wide range of skin and nail presentations and identify when further investigation or specialist referral is required.

As founder and Clinical Lead of South Devon Foot Clinic, Helen oversees the clinical direction of the practice, supporting the development of the team and maintaining a strong focus on professional standards, patient safety and continuity of care.

She is committed to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where patients receive professional treatment tailored to their individual needs.

Community Engagement & Professional Recognition

Helen is passionate about using her professional knowledge and skills 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, helping provide practical support to individuals and families in need.

Helen also coordinates 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

Leading South Devon Foot Clinic

Helen founded South Devon Foot Clinic with a vision of providing professional, accessible and compassionate podiatric care within the local community.

Today, she leads a growing clinical team of podiatrists and foot health practitioners, combining a collaborative approach with a commitment to clinical excellence, professional development and patient experience.

Helen takes pride in ensuring that every patient receives the time, attention and appropriate clinical expertise they deserve, with the ultimate aim of helping people remain comfortable, mobile and confident on their feet.

Meet 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.

Meet 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.

Helen is acutely aware of the significant impact that foot health can have on mobility, independence, wellbeing, and quality of life. Alongside her clinical work, she is committed to supporting vulnerable members of the local community and actively coordinates a team of volunteer podiatrists delivering regular, free podiatry services to people experiencing homelessness in Plymouth.

Passionate about advancing the profession, Helen also volunteers with the Royal College of Podiatry, supporting the South West region by organising continuing professional development opportunities and educational events for fellow podiatrists. Through this work, she helps promote excellence in clinical practice and supports the ongoing development of the profession.

Helen’s dedication to podiatry extends far beyond the clinic setting. Her commitment to clinical excellence, patient-centred care, community service, and professional leadership reflects her genuine passion for helping others. Patients can feel confident that they are receiving care from an experienced, compassionate, and highly skilled practitioner who is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for their foot health.

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.