Download and print as a PDF (169kB pdf)
Why have I been given this information?
You are an outpatient, which means that you are getting care from the hospital but you are not staying overnight.
We have changed the way we provide your care as an outpatient.
Instead of having regular, routine appointments according to a timetable, we will support you to manage your own care: you do not need to contact us unless you have worries or concerns.
This is called Patient Initiated Follow Up (or PIFU).
What is this information about?
This information explains:
- how PIFU works
- the benefits of PIFU
- how and when to book an appointment.
If you have any concerns or questions that are not answered here, please speak to your doctor or nurse.
How does my Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) work?
With PIFU, you will have open access to the clinic for between 6 and 12 months from the date of your outpatient appointment.
Open access means that if you are worried, or you have any problems, you can contact the clinic and a doctor or nurse will offer you a further appointment if they think you need one. So instead of being given regular appointments, you can decide when you would like, or need, to see someone.
If you have problems after this time, please contact your GP.
Why am I being offered Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)?
We want to support you to contact us when you need us.
PIFU gives you more choice and flexibility. It reduces unwanted and unnecessary visits to the hospital.
This means that you will have a better experience; you will not have to pay so much for travel and parking; and waiting times for appointments will be reduced.
When can I book an appointment?
You can make a follow up appointment if:
- you are worried about your condition
- your condition changes
- you need more information or advice from a doctor or nurse that you cannot get from other support organisations or your GP.
How can I book an appointment?
A member of the team looking after you will review your request. They may be able to offer you advice and guidance on the phone or decide that you need an appointment.
Appointments may be on the telephone, a video call, or face to face if we need to physically examine you.
We will send you a confirmation of your appointment.
St Richard’s Hospital Maxillofacial Unit Coordinators
01243 788122
Ext. 32910 / 33329 / 32159/ 33354
Worthing General Hospital Maxillofacial Unit Coordinators
01903 205111
Ext. 86381 / 84296 / 86643
When should I contact the service?
If your symptoms return or worsen from the same condition and you would like to be seen by a member of the team.
When is a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) appointment not appropriate?
A PIFU appointment 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 NHS 111 for advice.
Be aware
If you require urgent medical attention, you should contact your GP, NHS 111 or attend A&E if you are really unwell.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
The service will contact you within 6 weeks to discuss a plan.
Could I get lost in the system?
No. You will be clearly recorded as being on Patient Initiated Follow Up pathway on our systems. If you do not need to see the team caring for you at all within the allotted timeframe after your last appointment, you will be discharged back to your GP or dentist who will refer you back to us if you need hospital care again in the future.
Why have you set an end date for me to make an appointment?
Your doctor will decide how long you need to be on the PIFU pathway. It will depend on your condition and their opinion of how long you will need before you can be discharged back to your GP.
Our aim is to discharge you once you are well enough.
This leaflet is intended for patients receiving care in St Richard’s Hospital, Worthing Hospital and Southlands.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Today’s research is tomorrow’s treatments. That’s why UHSx is proud to be a research-active Trust. Find out how you can get involved.
Visit our website www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/research-and-innovation/information-for-patients-and-public or scan the QR code: 