Patient Initiated Follow Up introduced at local hospitals

This new service means patients will avoid unnecessary appointments. Many patients with long-term conditions do not need regular follow-up appointments with a clinician at the hospital. They might have lived with a condition for a significant period of time and are experienced in managing the condition at home.

Karen McAlpine, Divisional Director of Operations for Patient Access and Outpatients, said: “This is part of our organisation’s commitment to make healthcare more accessible to the communities we serve. Routine interval appointments can mean unnecessary travel, stress and anxiety for patients and also cost our hospitals time and money. Patient Initiated Follow Up appointments will give our patients some independence to take control of their own care and decide for themselves when they need to see their clinician.”

Before being placed on a PIFU pathway, patients will have a discussion with their clinician about their condition and treatment, as well as any other symptoms to look out for which are a cause for concern. They will then be given a contact at the hospital to get in touch with should they notice any of these symptoms or become concerned by a change in their condition.

Reducing the number of unnecessary appointments at hospitals is a key element of NHS recovery following the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on patient waiting lists. Patient Initiated Follow Up appointments will free up hospital resources and staff, leaving clinic spaces free for essential appointments.