Greater Manchester healthcare system has announced that hospitals across the region will now start to resume non-urgent surgery and appointments. Read more.
The NHS is working hard to get people seen as quickly as possible.
If you (or someone you care for) are waiting on delayed medical care, you are likely to have concerns and questions.
The NHS in Greater Manchester is offering further information and advice, along with handy resources to help you manage your physical and mental wellbeing.
This includes:
- How to stay as fit and healthy as possible while you wait for your treatment
- Where to find any extra support online
- Where to find further information about approximate waiting times at different hospitals
- What to do if your condition deteriorates.
Find out more at whileyouwait.org.uk
Key information leaflet
Download a leaflet that summarises key information in seven different languages:
What is Patient Initiated Follow Up?
You may see this referred to as ‘PIFU.’ It puts you in control. Research has shown that having a regular outpatient follow up does not help to prevent your condition returning or identify new problems. In fact, many people find that follow up visits to the hospital cause a lot of unnecessary anxiety.
Why have we introduced it?
Most patients with long term conditions, or following hospital treatment, do not require regular follow up by the hospital team. Traditionally you will have been given regular follow up appointments every few months and often will have attended when you are perfectly well. This is an appointment that could be given to patients that are acutely unwell. So PIFU is a way of empowering you to manage your own care and also gives other patients the chance of an earlier appointment.
Where have we introduced it?
We are starting to use PIFU in a number of specialties and all of our Care Organisations are working to introduce this as an opportunity for their patients wherever possible.
There are some specialties, however, where if may not be appropriate for patients to access PIFU due to the nature of their condition.
When did we introduce it?
We implemented PIFU in rheumatology for patients in Rochdale and Bury in February 2022. PIFU is also being offered to patients in two subspecialties in Opthalmology. The Trust is developing a programme across the NCA that will offer PIFU to the following specialties initially:
· Rheumatology
· Opthalmology
· ENT
· Gastroenterology
· Orhthopadics
We will update you as we bring more and more specialties onto the programme.
How will it work?
This will depend on which specialty is currently looking after you as each will have a slightly different method of operation. In rheumatology you will be given a letter that advises you on when you should request a follow up and asks you to contact the rheumatology advice line initially.
Other specialties, including Opthalmology, will give you information and ask you to contact the main booking and scheduling service located at Rochdale if you feel you need an appointment.