A concentration of government  departments and private health providers  has seen the area adjacent to Charlestown Square become known as the “medical mile”.

This focusing of medical professionals and services has resulted in greater convenience for members of the community seeking treatment, enabling a “one stop shop” capability, according to podiatrist Peter Towers, from Charlestown Podiatry.

“Patients are now able to come in and see their practitioner, be it a podiatrist, doctor etc, and then easily get tests done, or X-rays, or whatever, without having to drive all over town.

“It saves time and money and facilitates more effective treatment and outcomes.”

Peter and fellow podiatrist  Rebecca Osland, at Charlestown Podiatry, are family friendly foot experts, servicing the Newcastle area.

They diagnose and treat foot diseases, deformities and trauma of the foot, ankle and related structures.

They offer clients access to state-of-the-art diagnostic, assessment and orthotic fabrication technologies.  

Peter, who took over full management of the business two years ago, has built a unique relationship with the US-based ORETEK laboratory, providing valuable experience in the benefits and intricacies of CAD CAM foot orthotic prescription for a broad range of sporting injuries and lower limb complaints.

State-of-the-art 3D technology enables him to scan and create thinner, stronger, more accurate and comfortable orthotic devices which are more accommodating to wear in summer sandals and dress shoes.

The process of assessment, diagnosis, fabrication and fitting is controlled from start to finish by Peter in Newcastle using this premium technology which Peter is the sole licensee of in Australia.

“I do the scans, send them to the ORETEK lab in Ohio, results are emailed back and I fabricate using CAD CAM technology,” Peter explained. “I can get the increments down to 0.1mm in quick turnaround time.”

Rebecca does diabetic screening using a similarly high-tech computerised Doppler machine to check  blood flow which can be an indicator of the condition.

They also do video assessments to test gait and abnormalities.

Charlestown Podiatry is located at 48 Smith Street, Charlestown, “Outside the Square”  but inside the Charlestown “medical mile”. Onsite parking, with wheelchair access, is available.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm, with late appointments to 7pm on Thursday. Emergency appointments are also available.

To book ring 4942 2599 or email charlestownpodiatry@gmail.com.