91¿ì»îÁÖ

The University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ has a long history of leadership in podiatry education, creating the UK’s first undergraduate podiatry degree. Today, it is the only remaining institution in the South East offering preregistration podiatry training. 91¿ì»îÁÖ students benefit from expert teaching, diverse clinical placements and opportunities to learn within real NHS environments. 

The new clinic brings NHS podiatry services directly onto the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ’s campus for the first time, giving students greater access to high quality, hands-on clinical experience. Its location within the 91¿ì»îÁÖ Sport & Health Complex – which underwent remodelling and refurbishment in 2024 as part of a wider investment programme at Falmer campus – encourages closer collaboration in teaching, research and rehabilitation, helping train the future workforce that local communities rely on. 

sport and health complex at 91¿ì»îÁÖ

The dedicated NHS podiatry suite will provide a modern, spacious clinical environment, offering increased flexibility for assessments and an improved experience for both patients and learners. The investment will also support the long term sustainability of the podiatry profession at a time of national workforce challenge: while diabetes related demand increases, the number of new podiatrists entering the profession has declined by 7% since 2018, and podiatry training programmes across the UK and Ireland have reduced by 35%. 

Alongside its educational impact, the clinic will significantly expand care for local communities. Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust receives around 9,300 patient referrals to podiatry services each year. The new facility will create more than 4,500 additional appointments annually, enabling more people across West Sussex and 91¿ì»îÁÖ & Hove to be seen sooner and receive timely, high-quality care. 

spaces near the entrance and improved access for people with disabilities. Falmer train station is close by and a new bus stop has been added directly outside the clinic. 

Dr Angela Glynn, Dean of the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences at the University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ, said:  “We are proud to be working with Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust to create a modern, purpose-built clinic that strengthens podiatry services for our region. As the only provider of preregistration podiatry training in the South East, we play a central role in developing the workforce that local communities rely on. 

“Bringing NHS services onto our Falmer campus will give students even greater access to high quality, real-world clinical experience, supported by expert practitioners and academic staff. It also opens the door to closer collaboration in teaching, research and innovation, helping us respond to growing national demand for podiatry care.” 

Siobhan Melia, Chief Executive of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, said:  “As a former podiatrist and having obtained my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in podiatry at University of 91¿ì»îÁÖ, I am particularly excited about this partnership and the opportunities it will create for both patients and students.

"This new podiatry suite represents a commitment to high quality, accessible care for our local communities, whilst also supporting the next generation of podiatry professionals with exceptional hands-on training. By bringing together clinical practice and academic excellence in one modern, purpose-built setting, we are strengthening services for today and building a skilled workforce for the future.” 

The new podiatry suite is scheduled to open in summer 2026.