PIFU - Dermatology and plastics

A Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) allows you to take a greater role in the management of your condition. It allows you to access clinical teams if you, your relative or your carer feel you need to, prior to being removed from the waiting list, rather than having a prearranged or regularly scheduled appointment.

 

What is a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)?

You, your relative or your carer can make an appointment to see us, within an arranged number of weeks of your appointment, if you have any worries or concerns, rather than being removed from the waiting list immediately following your appointment. 

 

What happens if I am placed on a PIFU pathway?

Your clinician has identified that you would benefit from being on an PIFU pathway.  You, your relative or your carer will be able to contact the service directly to arrange a follow-up appointment as and when you feel concerned, as long as it is within an arranged number of weeks.                      . 

If you do not feel the need to contact the hospital during this time, at the end of your pathway, which your clinician will have discussed with you, you will be removed from the waiting list.

This page describes what you should do should you have any concerns relating to your dermatological condition.  For all other concerns, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP remains your first point of contact.

 

What should I do if I have a concern relating to my condition?

The service is quick and easy to use.  You, your relative or your carer just call the voicemail service on the number provided to you, where you will be asked to provide the following information:

• Hospital or NHS Number
• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Reason for calling

Following which a member of our team will arrange an appointment for you.  Please note that the appointment may be carried out over telephone or video, but where appropriate you will be seen face to face.

Please remember, it is important that you are available for your appointment. If you find you are unable to attend, 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 back to your GP.

 

When to contact the service?

• Change to the scar or skin surrounding the scar
• any new lesions
• lesions that increase in size or change in appearance
• lesions that do not heal as expected and/or form a recurrent scab
• lesions that bleed easily
• New lumps or bumps might represent enlarging lymph nodes (glands). Examine yourself for these in the following areas:
  • under the armpits,
  • around the neckline & under the jaw
  • in the groin creases

 

When is it not appropriate to contact the service?

• For an unrelated condition.
• If you feel this is an urgent situation and cannot wait 2 – 3 weeks for an appointment, please contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice.