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We encourage all patients to take an active role in their care, and we want to make sure your follow up appointments work better for you.

We know that attending appointments can be time consuming, costly and cause worry. We are learning from you that follow up appointments are not always useful or needed.

Now, you and your healthcare professional can work together to decide the best option for you, this may include:

• No follow up appointment at all
• A follow up appointment for an agreed date, for example in six months
• Patient led follow up – putting you in control (We often call this Patient Initiated Follow Up)

Patient led follow up will not be suitable for everyone, but if it is suitable for you, it means you only have a follow up appointment if you feel you need one. Follow up appointments may be at the hospital, or by telephone or video. Your healthcare professional will make it clear when you need to get in touch with us.

You can only ask us for an appointment for the same condition you have seen your healthcare professional about before. You will be given an information leaflet or letter. This will give you information on any signs or symptoms you need to look out for and the best way to get in touch with us.

Taking control of your follow up appointments

Watch this video on taking control of your follow up appointments: