Patient Initiated Follow-Up for Children and Young People – PIL1586 – Version 1

During your child’s appointment with their healthcare professional, you may have discussed and agreed that regular routine follow-up appointments are not required to manage their condition and that Patient Initiated Follow Up is the best way to help you seek further care and treatment for your child when they need it.

If your hospital care team think that Patient Initiated Follow Up might be suitable, they will discuss this with you. If you agree then you will be placed on a Patient Initiated Follow Up plan.

This means you no longer receive regular follow-up appointments, and you will need to contact the service if you feel that an appointment is needed.

This leaflet will help you to understand what Patient Initiated Follow Up appointments are. You might hear them also being called PIFU for short.

How do I arrange a PIFU appointment?

You can arrange a PIFU appointment for your child within the agreed period of time that was discussed with yourself and the healthcare professional during your appointment, this is usually within 6 months from the date it was agreed.

If your child has not needed an appointment within this time, they will be discharged from our service. If you require an appointment after this time, you will need to discuss this with your GP.

The healthcare professional will talk to you about when to make a PIFU appointment and when to seek help from other services such as your GP or the emergency department.

You can only access PIFU appointments if you are worried about your child’s current short or long term health condition and not a new concern you may have for your child.

Please follow the link for a short video explaining more about PIFU: https://youtu.be/AHyDLSQdo8s

What are the advantages?

• You won’t need to make any unnecessary journeys to the hospital.
• You will only have an appointment made if you feel you need one for your child.
• You have more control over your child’s care.
• Shorter waiting times.

How do I book an appointment?

If your child experiences a flare up of their condition, their symptoms worsen or they do not recover as expected you can call us to make an appointment to see your child’s healthcare professional.

Please call the number on your PIFU letter and ask for a PIFU appointment. You will then be given an appointment with your child’s healthcare professional at the earliest opportunity.

PIFU appointments can only be arranged if it is within the agreed timescales set with you and your child’s healthcare professional, if you require an appointment after this date please contact your GP.

If you are worried about your child?

If you have other concerns about your child’s health please seek support from your child’s GP, NHS 111 or the emergency department.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]