What is Patient Initiated Follow up (PIFU)?
A patient-initiated follow up or ‘PIFU’ allows you to make an appointment with your cardiology team when you need it, rather than having a regular or prearranged clinic visit.
The service helps to reduce unnecessary visits to hospital and supports people with cardiology conditions to access their cardiology team when needed without having to go back through their GP.
PIFU is not suitable for everyone. The cardiology team will discuss this type of appointment with you if they think it may be suitable for you. If you feel that this is not suitable for you, you can continue to have a regular booked clinic visit.
If you are put on a PIFU pathway your GP will be fully informed.
How might it affect you?
Some people feel relieved that they no longer need to be seen regularly in the Cardiology Clinic and this can free up their time and puts them in control. However, some people may fear losing contact with the hospital. There is no risk of being ‘lost’ because everyone will be registered to the service.
Is this service suitable for everyone?
This service is suitable for patients whose Cardiology condition is stable on treatment and satisfactory. Your suitability will be discussed with you in your consultation by your Cardiology Consultant or Specialist Nurse. This could also be discussed in video conferencing or telephone clinics. You are able to opt out if you have strong reservations.
When should I contact the service?
You should contact the PIFU appointments line if you feel that your condition has flared up and you need to be contacted by the Consultant to discuss your condition.
Will I get an appointment when I need it?
Yes. Appointment slots have been reserved for PIFU patients to be booked into an appropriate clinic, in a timely manner.
Will this be forever?
No. If you have not needed to contact the service during your PIFU period then you will be discharged back to your GP. You can be re-referred into the service at any time should you require in the future.
How do I book a PIFU appointment?
Please telephone 01205 446422 for an appointment. Please ensure that you tell the Appointments Clerk you are a Cardiology PIFU patient when you call and they will book you a mutually convenient appointment time.
Our phone lines are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Please be aware that we receive our highest volume of calls on Mondays and Tuesdays and in the morning. The best times to call are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.
When you do contact us please provide us with:
Your full name
Date of birth
Full address
Your NHS number
Outpatient Appointments Line: 01205 446422