Revolutionising Podiatry: Advanced Foot Health Assessment at MRH

Macedon Ranges Health podiatry patients are benefitting from state-of-the-art Systoe technology, which quickly and accurately diagnoses the health of their feet.

The technology was introduced at the Gisborne health service in late 2023, allowing podiatrists to measure blood circulation and diagnose the health of a foot within minutes.

The speed and accuracy of the technology ensures patients with poor circulation receive appropriate treatment before the threat of ulcers, gangrene and, in some cases, amputation becomes a real possibility.

Systoe is superior to existing podiatry diagnostic technologies, such as Doppler Ultrasound, particularly in relation to patients with diabetes, many of whom suffer artery calcification, which can hinder accurate diagnosis.

The automated technology, which attaches to a patient via a cuff on the big toe, is already in use in some Australian hospitals, however it is yet to be introduced widely in a clinical setting.

The Gisborne health service purchased the technology after successfully applying for a Victorian Government Health and Community Care Program grant in 2023.

Benetas General Manager Community Health and Care Helen Kemp said Macedon Ranges Health would always work to implement the newest technologies to improve the care provided to patients.

“Systoe allows us to assess podiatry patients quickly, ensuring they get the best possible treatment as quickly as possible,” Ms Kemp said.

“The automated nature of Systoe reduces the chance of error while accounting for anomalies, particularly with patients suffering from diabetes.”

Macedon Ranges Health is a community based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the provision of health, community, welfare and aged care services to the communities of Macedon Ranges Shire and surrounding districts.

Services provided include dietetics and nutrition, physiotherapy services, podiatry and foot care and psychology and counselling.