Patient initiated follow-up

Many patients with long-term conditions, or following hospital treatment, are asked to meet with their clinical team regularly. However, those follow-up appointments don’t always require to be at routine intervals and can be activated when the patient needs them. Patient initiated follow-up allows you to arrange a follow-up appointment for you, or someone you care for, only when you need it. This is an alternative to a routine follow-up appointment, which can sometimes be inconvenient, stressful and unnecessary expense.

If PIFU is available and suitable for you, the healthcare professional responsible for your care will discuss this option with you and if you are happy, will add your name to the PIFU appointment list.

How does this work?

When you are added to our patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) list, you will be able to contact the service managing your care and arrange an appointment when you feel you need it. Your clinician will tell you what to look out for that would indicate you should make an appointment. This follow-up might be a hospital, or a telephone/video appointment.

You will be told how long you will be on the PIFU list, as this will be determined by your clinical condition and requirement. If you do not need an appointment within this specified time period, you will be discharged from the service and you will need to contact your GP or referring clinician to be seen again by the clinical team.

How do I book a follow-up appointment?

It is quick and easy to book an PIFU appointment.

Please use the contact details on your appointment letter or those set out below to book an appointment:

When you contact us to ask for an appointment, please state that you are on the PIFU pathway and provide the details below:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • NHS/hospital number (you can find this on your appointment letter)
  • Name of clinic or service you would like to book an appointment with
  • Brief outline of why you are requesting an appointment

To arrange a PIFU appointment, you must: 

  • Agreement with the healthcare professional responsible for your care that PIFU is appropriate for you and have been given the relevant information confirming you are on the PIFU list.
  • Contact us within the timeframe advised by your healthcare professional to ensure you followed through.

What happens at the end of PIFU pathway?

Unless your clinician has informed you otherwise, please note that if the PIFU appointment is not activated within the specified time period you will be discharged from the service and you will need to contact your GP or referring clinician to be seen again by our clinical team.