Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU): Information and advice for patients being seen in Gynaecology.  

Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU): Information and advice for patients being seen in Gynaecology.   (704kB)

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 leaflet explains how you can access support and advice about your health. If you have any concerns or questions that are not answered in this leaflet please speak to your healthcare professional.

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

You will have ‘open access’ to the clinic for a set period of time from the date of your outpatient appointment. Your healthcare professional will let you know what pathway you will be on, in general patients have 6 months.

If you are worried you have further problems related to your original appointment, during the agreed 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 the condition for which you were referred changes significantly beyond that expected; or
• if you require further information or clinical input related to the condition for which you were referred 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 contact the Gynaecology secretary team at the relevant hospital that you were seen at:

• Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital: [email protected]
• St Richard’s Hospital – Chichester: [email protected]
• Worthing Hospital: [email protected]

When should I contact the service?

If your present symptoms worsen.

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 NHS 111 for advice. PIFU is also not appropriate outside of the specified time frames.

If you require urgent medical attention, you should contact your GP, NHS 111 or attend your local Emergency Department (ED/A&E) if you are really unwell.

Frequently asked questions