We’re changing the way we deliver outpatient care to better suit you. 

We’re putting you in control and giving you more choice over how and when you access your care so it’s easier and more convenient to receive specialist care in a way that better suits your lifestyle and preferences. 

Many patients with long term conditions, or following hospital treatment, do not always need follow-up appointments at routine intervals. 

Instead, some patients will be offered 'patient initiated follow-up' appointments (PIFU for short). This is where you can arrange a follow-up appointment as and when you need it, for instance when your symptoms flare up or if your circumstances change. 

This means you avoid unnecessary appointments, saving you time, money and stress and means better access to follow-up care when you do need it.

If you think PIFU might work for you, ask us about it at your next appointment with us.

The healthcare professional responsible for your care will discuss this option with you. If PIFU is available and suitable for you and you are happy with this, they will ask you to arrange your appointments in this way in future. 

Your healthcare professional will discuss with you the symptoms to look out for that would mean you should make an appointment and how to contact the service if you need to. You will get the chance to discuss any concerns you might have. Depending on your condition, this might replace your routine follow-ups that you might have had in the past.

You will also be told whether your PIFU has an end date. If you think you need to be seen again after that date, you will need a new referral.

It is quick and easy to book an appointment when you need one. To do so, you should contact us using the contact details provided to you by the healthcare professional responsible for your care.

If you have lost these details, do not worry, you can telephone us on [enter contact details] and a member of the team will assist you.

To arrange a PIFU appointment you must:

  • Have agreed 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 pathway
  • Contact us within the timeframe advised by your healthcare professional.

Yes, we are contactable should you require advice or guidance in relation to your condition.

Just tell us and we will go back to booking regular hospital appointments for you to attend for your follow up review. Please discuss any concerns with a member of the team who will be happy to help.

Further information and advice can be found:

NHS England - Patient Initiated Follow Up: Giving patients greater control over their hospital follow-up care