Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Reference Number: HEY1542/2025
Departments: Speech and Language
Last Updated: 31 May 2025

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Information for patients from Speech and Language – Head and Neck Service

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 therapist 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 caring for you.

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 identified by your speech and language therapist that a PIFU pathway is suitable for you. You will then have access to the PIFU pathway for a period of time, which will be confirmed by your healthcare team. If you require an appointment within this time frame, you can contact the Speech Therapy department, explain that you are on a PIFU pathway and need to be seen. You will then be offered an appointment. This may be on the telephone or face-to-face.

When should I call for a PIFU?

You can call to make an appointment if you have,

Questions about exercises provided by the speech therapist
Increased coughing or choking when eating or drinking
New onset chest infections or unexplained weight loss
Increased levels of concern about your speech or swallowing

You can only initiate a PIFU appointment for the specific condition you were originally referred to the Speech Therapy service for.

When should I not use PIFU?

If your concern is related to different 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 the specified timeframe, 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.

Booking a PIFU follow up appointment:

Call the Speech Therapy department on tel: 01482 604331 (Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm – excluding bank holidays)
State you are on a PIFU pathway and require an appointment
Agree an appointment date and time
Attend your telephone, video or face-to-face appointment

You or your carer can make an appointment to see us if you have any concerns related to your specific condition until:

Date:

Further information:

HUTH patient information leaflets: https://www.hey.nhs.uk/patient-leaflets
Advice on modified texture diets: https://www.iddsi.org/resources/patient-handouts
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/head-and-neck-cancer
Head and neck cancer charity https://oraclehnc.org.uk/
Head and neck cancer support group https://theswallows.org.uk/

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Head and Neck Cancer Team on tel: 01482 626700.