• Reference Number: HEY1606/2025
• Departments: Physiotherapy, Therapies
• Last Updated: 30 September 2025

Information for patients from Physiotherapy

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 the healthcare team but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.

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

A patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) means that we will not routinely book you an 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.

How does PIFU work?

You will have been given this leaflet because your healthcare professional is happy that you do not need to see them again unless you have a problem. If you do have any problems, you can contact the Physiotherapy department on the given telephone number and they will arrange an appointment, either by telephone, video call or face-to-face if it is needed. You will be told how long after your injury that you can contact the Physiotherapy department, on the PIFU pathway if you need to be seen.

When should I call for a PIFU?

You can call to make an appointment if you

• are not improving to a level that was expected
• have worsening symptoms relating to your injury/condition
• have a “flare-up”

Please note, you can only initiate a PIFU appointment for the specific injury/condition you were originally referred to the Physiotherapy service for.

When should I not use PIFU?

• If your concern is related to different injury/condition
• If the specified time period has lapsed, please contact your GP.
• If you need urgent medical advice, you should contact your GP or NHS111.

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

You do not have to arrange an appointment if you feel it is not required. If you don’t contact us to book an appointment within 3 months, the PIFU will expire and you will be discharged back to the care of your GP. We will not contact you to book a PIFU appointment – it must be initiated by you.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Physiotherapy Department on telephone: 01482-608939.