Patient initiated follow-up (PIFU) describes when a patient (or their carer) can book their own follow-up appointments when they are needed, rather than on a 6 monthly basis. If your symptoms or circumstances change you can book in for an appointment when needed. As a service, we have decided to give some of our patients the option of a PIFU pathway who have been referred for lower surgery. This will allow you, our patients, to control your follow-up care.
Along with your clinician, you can be supported to assess whether the PIFU pathway is right for you. If you choose the PIFU pathway, you will not be offered our current 6 monthly follow-up appointments but will instead book appointments as and when you feel they are required.
You may contact the service via phone or email to book your follow-up appointments. It is likely that when contacting via telephone, your request may be resolved via email.