After years in hospital and community care, nurses Jennifer Coates and Lisa Fletcher noticed a troubling pattern: foot and nail issues were often ignored until they became serious. Mobility challenges, untreated infections, and lack of accessible services motivated them to make a change.
The two advanced foot care nurses left their health region positions to open SK Foot Care Collective, where they could provide thorough, individualized care. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’ve kept many people out of hospital and walk-in clinics due to ongoing care and the assessments we perform,” Fletcher said.
Jennifer’s background is in home care, while Lisa has worked in orthopedic and trauma care and now at the Saskatoon Community Clinic. Their frontline experience showed how often foot issues were treated only once severe, and how hard it could be for people to access specialized support.
Every new client receives a full assessment, treatment tailored to comfort and prevention, and education on ongoing foot health. Services include care for thickened or fungal nails, ingrown nails, corns and calluses, and custom compression sock fittings.
They frequently see infections, wounds, and mobility concerns that can become dangerous, especially for clients with diabetes, arthritis, neuropathy, or circulation issues. “In Saskatchewan, an estimated 9–13% of the population is affected by diabetes,” they explain. “Early, proactive foot care is essential.”
Lisa has extended her impact further by launching Medi Pedi Footcare and creating a charity initiative to support vulnerable clients. A fundraiser with the Capitol Music Theatre raised $3,660, funding monthly clinics at the Westside Clinic where she provided assessments, treatment, education, and donated supplies.
For both nurses, the work is deeply personal. “Feet are unique in that many of us feel self-conscious about them, and allowing someone to care for them requires vulnerability. This openness creates meaningful connections.”
Their goal is to reduce pain, prevent complications, restore mobility, and ease pressure on the healthcare system. They hope to hire additional nurses, expand service to rural areas, and increase in-home visits for clients with mobility challenges.
“Looking after your feet at any age is important,” they say. “Addressing issues sooner rather than later will help prevent long-term problems.”
Since opening, Jennifer and Lisa say the Martensville community has been incredibly welcoming. “We truly enjoy meeting new members of the community and catching up with our regular clients. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
For more information, visit www.skfootcarecollective.ca, email skfootcarecollective@gmail.com, or contact Jennifer at (306) 261-9445/ Lisa at (306) 281-9141. SK Foot Care Collective is located at 1B – 701 Centennial Drive North.
