Require care settings to carry out basic nail care

26
signatures
closedDepartment of Health and Social CareOpened 2 July 2025Closed 2 January 2026

Background

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.

Additional details

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.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 729118.