Background
Approximately 125 diabetes dependent amputations are carried out in the UK each week, which is anticipated to increase by 17% by 2014. With 80% of amputations being preventable, in 2012, NHS diabetes launched a campaign to reduce these figures by 50% by 2018 [1]. In light of this, a multidisciplinary hot foot clinic was established in Weston Area Health Trust. The clinic aim is that of early identification and treatment of foot ulceration and ensuring patients are receiving adequate community follow up, education and orthotics, where needed. The aim of the current project was to assess the care pathway leading to referral to the clinic and performing a root cause analysis on delay in referral.