PENSIONERS have slammed a cost-saving decision to scale back foot care for older people.

Podiatry services, including nail clipping, are vital to people with mobility problems.

But hundreds of pensioners now have to pay for costly private treatment after NHS Blackburn with Darwen restricted the treatment to the most serious cases.

Blackburn with Darwen Older People’s Forum has written to every GP in the borough, as well as councillors, demanding a rethink.

Brian Todd, the forum’s honourable secretary, said the decision had a ‘serious effect on the majority of older people in the Borough who experienced discomfort due to their problems with walking.

Their movement would be restricted, he said, leading to ‘depression, loneliness and social isolation’. Private treatment costs around £20 per visit.

Health bosses said the treatment had been reviewed based on official advice from the Department of Health.

But Mr Todd said he could see no such guidance, adding that the move would save just £63,000.

NHS Blackburn with Darwen commissioning director Vanessa Hollings said: " NHS Blackburn with Darwen reviewed its podiatry service last summer following guidance from the Department of Health on footcare. This resulted in a revised model of care based on best practice nationally and means the service is able to deliver to those with greatest need within available resources.

“At the time of the review new patients had not been accepted for low level care for some time. All existing and new patients are now assessed against the criteria to ensure an equitable provision.”

Patients who miss out will be offered advice on footcare and where to look for private treatment, she added.