Patient Initiated Follow Up – Gastroenterology

What is patient initiated follow-up appointment?

Patient initiated follow up puts you in direct control of your care, following initial treatment. Here, your clinician will:–

• Discuss your condition or procedure with you, as well as any symptoms that are a cause for concern
• Advise you on how to contact the service directly
• Give you a separate period of time to contact the service. After this period, your GP will be informed, and you will need to return to them

Why and when should I contact the service?

You should contact us via email or on the telephone number above to arrange an outpatient appointment if you develop symptoms.  Symptoms will be dependent on your condition/treatment and will have been discussed with you, however include:

Condition/Treatment for…	Symptoms to look out for
IDA (Iron Deficiency Anaemia) and IDWA (Iron Deficiency without Anaemia)	Prolonged tiredness/dizziness Unintentional weight loss
Swallowing Difficulties: Eosinophilic Oesophagitis/ Oesophageal Stricture Oesophageal Dysmotility Dysphagia	Swallowing difficulties Unintentional weight loss
Functional Disorders Irritable Bowel Syndrome Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia Functional Bowel Problems- functional constipation and diarrhoea Bile acid malabsorption Microscopic colitis	Worsening of existing symptoms Unintentional weight loss

If you have concerns, please get in touch with the hospital via email or telephone using the contact details above.

Patient initiated follow up gives you direct access for review by a clinician should this be needed. If required, this will be a routine follow up appointment. If no contact has been made within the agreed timeframe you will automatically be discharged back to your GP.

---