Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)
What is ‘Patient Initiated Follow Up’ (PIFU)?
Patient initiated follow-up (PIFU) is a service which helps you to be in control, and make your own decisions about appointments.
This webpage gives you information about what PIFU is. It helps you decide whether you need to contact us for an appointment.
How PIFU benefits you
- It lets you to be in control.
- You or your carer can arrange an appointment when you feel you need one.
- You have access to support if you need it.
- You can contact us up until the end date of your PIFU, without going to your GP.
- No need to travel to the hospital for unnecessary appointments.
How do I make contact?
Making contact is easy. You can reach out to us through:
- Calling the booking team – 01743 261044. You can phone from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
- Our Patient Engagement Portal, DrDoctor, for some services.
Please give your hospital number which can be found on any letters you have received from us.
When should I get advice?
You should always get advice if your symptoms get much worse or change.
It’s important that you only use PIFU in relation to the health problem in which you were put on PIFU for. For anything else please contact your GP or NHS 111.
Once your PIFU timeframe has come to an end, you will need to contact your GP about your health problem if you need further support.
Further information and Useful Links
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback which can be shared in a number of ways through our feedback page.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS will act on your behalf when handling patient and family concerns, they can also help you get support from other local or national agencies. You can read more about them on the PALS page.
Other Sources of Information
NHS 111 – A fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
111 (free from a landline or mobile)
Self Help & Support Groups
A selection of websites providing access to good quality health information, local organisations and community groups is available from the SaTH library.