ELDERLY people in Oxfordshire are being left housebound and disabled by a lack of footcare services, according to a national charity.

Age Concern has today published a report called Feet for Purpose, revealing that although one in three people over 65 are unable to cut their toe nails, basic podiatry services are being withdrawn by the NHS.

A lack of even the most simple footcare can lead to complications, resulting in falls, restrictions on mobility and social isolation.

County services were reduced in 2004, when only urgent cases could be treated because of financial restraints.

Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust admitted the situation had not improved, and despite plans for future investment the £1.2m-a-year service is only available for people with specific medical complaints.

Hundreds of older patients now rely on Age Concern Oxfordshire's Sole Mates service, run by volunteers, which is oversubscribed as more people are referred through social services and their GPs.

Others are forced to pay £15 to £45 for basic private chiropody treatment.

Sole Mates coordinator Sue Cocker said: "The NHS is turning people away for podiatry services. A lot of people were having treatment but have been told they can't have it any more.

"If they're not getting their nails cut they can't get out and are isolated in their own homes. We've seen people whose nails are so long they're bending back and growing into themselves.

"One person had cut a hole in an old slipper and strapped it on with elastic bands because he couldn't get his shoes on any more.

"Even people who should be getting NHS care, like diabetics, are being turned down for treatment because they have been told their condition is not severe enough, and there'd be a lot more people suffering if our service didn't exist."

Director general Gordon Lishman said: "Footcare services should be free and universally available to those who need them."

Oxfordshire PCT podiatry and physiotherapy service manager Philip Joyce said the service was for people with gait problems or those who may need nail surgery, as well as those at risk from foot ulcers.

He added: "The PCT is investing in its podiatry services this year, with the appointment of 3.7 extra staff for diabetic foot care services and specific additional funding for improving further the branch of podiatry that works with people who need muscular-skeletal podiatry services."