A “clear roadmap” for transforming lower-limb vascular care across England has been set out, after the Vascular and Venous Disease All-Party Parliamentary Group (VVAPPG) launched its white paper, Making the Case for Reform in the Vascular Sector.
The report highlights the persistent gaps in vascular care that result in “avoidable harm” for patients and sets out clear and practical steps to improve the situation.
Among the recommendations are dedicated Foot Protection Services in every Integrated Care System, and the introduction of a National Foot Attack Pathway so patients are seen urgently.
The report, which has been developed in collaboration with the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), the Royal College of Podiatry, and the vascular community, highlights how vascular disease remains one of the leading causes of preventable disability and premature death in the UK.
Despite major improvements in the treatment of stroke and cardiac disease in recent years, outcomes for people with peripheral arterial disease, venous disease and diabetes-related foot complications have not improved at the same pace. Delayed diagnosis, inconsistent referral pathways and variable access to specialist care continue to result in thousands of avoidable lower-limb amputations each year.
The white paper identifies five priority actions for national leaders:
- Fund and implement a National Foot Attack Pathway, supported by a public awareness campaign and mandated same-day or next-day triage standards
- Establish community-based Foot Protection Services in every ICS, aligned with National Wound Care Strategy Programme standards
- Introduce national maximum waiting times for vascular assessment and revascularisation, with transparent national reporting
- Reform commissioning to reward outcomes, incentivising earlier diagnosis, faster healing and fewer amputations
- Accelerate the adoption of proven innovation through mechanisms such as the NHS Innovator Passport to fast-track cost-effective technologies.
Jim Shannon MP, Chair of the VVAPPG, said: “Clinicians, patient advocates, charities and industry representatives have all come together because they recognise that the current situation for too many patients simply cannot continue.
“Every year, people across the United Kingdom lose limbs because help does not come quickly enough or because access to specialist care depends too much on where someone lives. Behind every one of those cases is a person, a family and a future that has been changed forever. In many instances, those outcomes could have been prevented with earlier diagnosis, quicker referral and better coordination of care.
“I believe there is now a real opportunity for Government and the NHS to take these recommendations forward. With the focus on prevention and care closer to home within the 10-Year Health Plan, we have the chance to deliver meaningful change for patients, reduce pressure on hospitals and ensure that people receive the care they need before problems become life-changing.
“My hope is that this report will act as a catalyst for that change. By working together across Parliament, the health service and the wider sector, we can ensure that fewer people face the devastating consequences of avoidable lower-limb amputation and that patients receive the timely, high-quality care they deserve.”
EDFN Chair and consultant podiatrist Richard Leigh said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see this report and the recommendations being made – it is something we have been campaigning for over the last few years.
“Implementing this strategy would have limb and life-saving consequences because the link between amputation and five-year mortality rates has been shown time and time again.
“It is only right that patients with peripheral arterial disease, venous disease and diabetes-related foot complications see the same improvements in care that patients with stroke and cardiac disease have benefitted from.
“We urge the government to recognise the difference these reforms could make in transforming lives and saving limbs.”
