Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU)

Download and print as a PDF (173kB pdf)

Following your outpatient appointment

We have changed the way we provide your care as an outpatient. Instead of having regular, routine appointments according to a timetable, we’ll support you to manage your own care and to contact us only if you have worries or concerns. This is called Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU).
This information explains how you can access support and advice about your health. If you have any concerns or questions that are not answered in this information please speak to your healthcare professional.

How does my Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) work?

You will have ‘open access’ to the clinic for between 1 to 5 years from the date of your last outpatient appointment. The appropriate time period will be agreed between you and your clinician.
If you are worried you have further problems related to your original appointment, during this time, contact us and a clinician will review your request and offer you a further appointment if appropriate. If you have problems after this time, please contact your GP.

Why am I being offered Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)?

The reason we offer follow-up this way is because we want to give you more choice and flexibility and reduce unwanted and unnecessary visits to the hospital. This will help improve patient experience, reduce cost of travel and parking and reduce waiting times for appointments.

When can I book an appointment?

You can make a follow up appointment if:
• you have on-going concerns about your condition;
• if your condition changes significantly beyond that expected; or
• if you require further information or clinical input that cannot be met by support organisations or your GP or local services.

We want to empower you to contact us when you need us.

How can I book an appointment?

You can telephone our Central Booking Team on 0300 303 8360 or email [email protected]

A member of your clinical team will review your request. They may be able to offer you advice and guidance or decide that you need an appointment. Appointments may be virtual via telephone or video or face to face if we need to physically examine you. The clinician will advise the booking team about the appropriate timing of the appointment. We will send you confirmation with details of your appointment.

When is a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) appointment not appropriate?

PIFU is not appropriate for conditions or symptoms unrelated to the condition you were seen for originally: for these you will need to contact your GP or NHS111 for advice.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Could I get lost in the system?
A. No. You will be clearly recorded as being on Patient Initiated Follow Up pathway on our internal systems. If you do not need to see the clinician within the agreed PIFU timeframe
from your last appointment, you will be discharged back to your GP who will refer you back to us if you need hospital care again in the future.

Q. Why have you set an end date for me to make an appointment?
A. Your clinician will decide how long you need to be on the PIFU pathway. It will depend on your condition and their clinical judgement of how long is needed before you can be discharged back to your GP.