Immunology - Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) - Clinical Immunology (Salford)

What is ‘patient initiated follow up’?

You may see this referred to as ‘PIFU’.

Patient initiated follow up puts you in control.

Research has shown that having a regular outpatient follow up does not help to prevent your condition returning or identify new problems. In fact, many people find that follow up visits to the hospital cause a lot of unnecessary anxiety.

Most patients with long term conditions, or following a hospital treatment, do not require regular follow up by the hospital team.

I’m concerned about losing regular contact with the hospital

Everyone has different feelings when they no longer need to be seen regularly by their medical team.

This will be discussed with you in clinic before a shared agreement is made by you and the clinician for PIFU.

Check your clinic letter, a management plan has been specifically designed for you. If you feel like the current plan is not working for you and you have a flare-up of symptoms, you should arrange an appointment with us.

Patient initiated follow up will provide you with direct access to guidance when you most need it. For all other concerns, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP remains your first point of contact.

How do I book a patient initiated follow up appointment?

The service is quick and easy to use.

Just call us on 0161 206 0522 (secretary) and leave a message with your contact details. A member of the team will contact you within 24-48 hours to arrange an appointment for you.

Please remember, it’s important that you are available for your appointment. If you are unavailable for your appointment, please tell us in advance so we can try to give your appointment to someone else.

Failure to do so may lead to you being referred to your GP.