Podiatry - PIFU for Salford MSK Podiatry

What is a (PIFU) patient-initiated follow-up pathway?

A patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) means that we will not routinely book you a follow up appointment. Instead, we are putting you in control of making your own appointments at a time when you need them most, within a given timeframe.

If you have not contacted us within 3 months of your last appointment, you will be discharged from the service.

When should I call for a PIFU?

You don’t need to book an appointment if you feel you don’t need one. This will allow other patients to access the service.

You can call to make an appointment if:

• There are problems with the orthotics you were provided with at your last appointment
• The expected outcome from your last appointment has not been achieved
• Your pain has worsened or changed

When should I not use PIFU?

• If your concern is related to a different injury/condition – in such case, you will require a new referral
• If you require another pair of the same insoles. Orthotics can only be issued once a year
• If the specified period has lapsed, please complete a new self- referral by following instructions on Podiatry https:// www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/podiatry-salford or contact your GP. A new referral form can be emailed to or requested via email podiatry.referrals@nca.nhs.uk
• New referrals from other healthcare professional via e-Referral Service (e-RS) are also accepted
• If you need urgent medical advice, you should contact your GP or NHS 111

Please note you can only initiate a PIFU appointment for the specific condition you were originally referred to the Podiatry Service for.

Booking a PIFU Appointment

1.    Call the Podiatry Department on 0161 206 3842 (Monday to Friday 8am-4pm – excluding bank holidays).
2.    State that you are on the PIFU Pathway and require an appointment.
3.    Agree an appointment date/time.
4.    Your appointment will be face-to-face by default unless you specifically request a telephone consultation.