5 November 2025

CNWL welcomed seven students from Uxbridge College for a work experience placement with the Hillingdon Podiatry Service. Inspiring young people to fill their shoes and enter the profession.

Each day began with a tour of the service, followed by workshops that went over the skills needed to become a podiatrist, and a chance to observe the team’s everyday procedures. They then regrouped to evaluate the day.

Many have said the day inspired them into a career in podiatry:

  • “I learnt how important it is to take care of our feet and I would think about a career in podiatry.”
  • “The nail surgery was very useful and interesting—nothing could be improved.”
  • “Thanks to Alexia and Elin, podiatry grabbed my attention. There’s so much to learn and I look forward to knowing more.”
  • “Yes, I’d consider a career in podiatry. It’s hands-on and helps people become pain-free. I was really impressed with how podiatrists responded to patients.”
  • “Thank you Ciara and Debbie for a wonderful day. I learnt so much about the skills and understanding patients as well.”
  • “I’m not sure if it’s the career for me, but the day was really enjoyable and gave me a real insight.”
  • “The podiatrists were welcoming, patient, empathetic and hardworking—nothing could have improved the day.”
  • “I learnt about wound management and how to communicate with patients. It was my first time learning about podiatry and I’d consider a career in it.”

CNWL is proud to support young people exploring careers in healthcare and the Hillingdon podiatry team looks forward to offering more placements in the future.

Debbie Boughtflower, Hillingdon Podiatry Team, said: “I wanted to express my appreciation to all the students that took part in work experience with us. A huge thank you to Denika, Alexia, Elin, Ant, Dinah, Ciara, Sumeera, Dorsa and all the podiatrists who generously gave their time to explain their clinical work and offer valuable insight into the profession. Their contribution made a real impact."

November is Community Services Month! We’re sharing stories from our communities to proudly show how the NHS is at the heart of local life - and the innovative ways we’re improving care by bringing it closer to home.

Find out more about Community Services Month