We want the Government to require care providers in supported living, care homes and domiciliary care to provide basic nail care (such as nail trimming), unless there is a clear medical reason this must be done by a clinician.

Many care providers currently do not cut nails. We are concerned that as a result, vulnerable people are left with overgrown or painful nails, or forced to wait weeks for NHS podiatry appointments that may not be clinically necessary. This can lead to unnecessary discomfort and strain on NHS services. We believe the government should require nail care to be part of personal care, not a clinical task — and that providers should be supported to carry this out safely with appropriate training and risk assessment.