Back pain, triage and treat
Instead of having regular routine follow up appointments, the Trust will support you to manage your own care and to only contact us if you have worries or concerns. This is called Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU).
This leaflet explains how you can access support and advice about your health. If you have any concerns or questions which are not answered in this leaflet, please speak to your healthcare professional.
Why am I being offered Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU)?
The reason we offer follow-up appointments via this process is because we want to give you more choice and flexibility and reduce unnecessary visits to the hospital.
This will help improve patient experience, reduce costs of travel and parking and reduce waiting times for appointments.
The service has a long waiting list for follow-up appointments. During this waiting time, you may feel you require a sooner appointment, or you may feel you don’t need an appointment at all. As explained above the PIFU system gives you the flexibility to manage your own appointments.
How does (PIFU) work?
You will have ‘open access’ to the service for a specific time period agreed by your clinician from the date of your outpatient appointment. If you are worried you have further problems related to your original appointment during this period, please contact us and a clinician will review your request and offer you a further appointment if appropriate.
How will I know if I need a PIFU?
If you are experiencing a worsening of your condition
If you have concerns about your treatment or side effects
When is a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) appointment not appropriate?
PIFU is not appropriate for conditions or symptoms unrelated to the condition you were seen for originally: for these you will need to contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
If you require urgent medical attention, you should contact your GP, NHS 111 or attend A&E if you are really unwell.
How do I book a follow-up appointment
- If your appointment was in Middlesbrough, Redcar or Brotton
Please contact the back pain triage and treat service if you feel that you need to arrange a review via telephone on 01642 944703 or email the service at [email protected] - If your appointment was in Northallerton or Whitby
Please contact the back pain triage and treat service if you feel that you need to arrange a review via telephone on 01609 764651 or email the service at [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]