Many patients with long-term conditions, or following hospital treatment, are given follow-up appointments to meet their clinical team on a regular basis. However, often these follow-up appointments are not needed by the patient.
That’s why our Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) appointments allow you to arrange your own follow-up appointment, only when you need it, for example, if your symptoms worsen, flare-ups or change. This means you don’t need to attend hospital regularly.
PIFU allows you to be in control of your care, reduces unnecessary hospital visits, reduces waiting times for other patients who may need appointments and reduces the hospitals’ carbon footprint by reducing unnecessary journeys made to our hospital.
How does PIFU work?
Your healthcare professional may recommend the PIFU pathway for you if it is safe for you to manage your own appointments. Once you are placed on the pathway, you will be able to contact the service directly to arrange a follow-up appointment only when you feel you need. You will be given a list of ‘trigger’ symptoms and signs to look out for that indicate you should make an appointment.
You will be advised how long you will be on the PIFU pathway. If you do not make an appointment within this specified time period (maximum 12 months), you will be discharged from the service. If you need to be seen again after being discharged, you will need a new referral.
How do I book a follow-up appointment?
Booking a follow-up appointment is quick and easy. Your healthcare professional will give you a contact number or an email address to use. These details should be mentioned on your clinic letter. You should contact us using these contact details if you need a follow-up appointment.
When contacting us, you will need to provide the following information:
· Name
· Date of birth
· NHS/hospital number (please see your appointment letter)
· The clinic or service you need to book the appointment with
Please make sure to say you are on a PIFU pathway when you contact the service. Our admin team will book an appointment for you and send you text reminders beforehand. If you find you cannot attend your appointment, please tell us in advance, so we can give it to someone else who needs it.