• Reference Number: HEY1367/2026
• Departments: Dietetics, Physiotherapy
• Last Updated: 31 May 2026

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your dietitian but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading, you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with your dietitian.

What is a Patient-Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) pathway?

A Patient-Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) means that we will not routinely book follow-up appointments for you.

Instead, you are in control of arranging an appointment when you feel you need one, within an agreed timeframe.

This approach allows you to avoid unnecessary appointments and access support when it is most useful to you.

How does PIFU work?

Your dietitian has identified that a PIFU pathway is suitable for you.

• You will have access to the PIFU service for a defined period (see your personal plan below)
• During this time, you can contact the Dietetic Department to request an appointment
• Appointments may be delivered by:
  • Telephone
  • Video consultation
  • Face-to-face

If you do not contact us within the agreed timeframe, you will be discharged back to your GP or consultant.

When should I contact the service?

You should request a PIFU appointment if:

• Your symptoms are not improving as expected
• Your symptoms worsen
• You experience a flare-up
• You feel you need further dietary support

You may only request a PIFU appointment for the condition you were originally referred for.

When should I not use PIFU?

Do not use PIFU if:

• Your concern is about a different condition
• Your PIFU period has ended (please contact your GP or consultant)
• You need urgent medical advice

For urgent concerns, contact your GP or NHS 111.

How do I book a PIFU appointment?

What if I don’t need a PIFU follow-up appointment?

You do not need to arrange an appointment if you feel it is not required.

If you do not contact us within the 12 month period:

• Your PIFU pathway will end
• You will be discharged back to your GP or Consultant

We will not contact you to arrange an appointment — this must be initiated by you.

Important information

• Please attend any booked appointment or inform us if you cannot attend
• Missed appointments may result in discharge back to your GP
• You or your carer/parent/guardian may contact us on your behalf

Feedback and support

We welcome your feedback to help improve our service.

For concerns, compliments or complaints, please contact:

Your dietetic department

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Alternative formats or interpreter services are available on request.

For general health information, please visit: www.nhs.uk

General Advice and Consent

Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.

Consent to treatment

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.

The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:

• you must be able to give your consent
• you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
• you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person

Information about you

We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.

We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.