Key Takeaways
- Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has implemented Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) through the NHS App, enhancing patient access to care.
- PIFU allows patients to schedule follow-up appointments on their own terms, aiming to reduce missed appointments and streamline outpatient services.
- This initiative positions Rotherham ahead of national targets for outpatient appointment innovations, with further developments planned through ongoing partnerships.
Innovative Patient Care at Rotherham NHS
Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has launched Patient Initiated Follow-up (PIFU) via the NHS App, effective from December 10, 2025. This initiative is part of the NHS’s long-term health strategy to provide easier access to healthcare, serving as a digital gateway for patients.
PIFU enables patients to request follow-up appointments when needed rather than adhering to predetermined schedules. This approach not only improves patient autonomy but also aims to reduce the number of missed appointments and optimize outpatient pathways. Sally Atkinson, head of patient access at Rotherham NHS, highlighted that collaborating with Netcall was a vital step in enhancing appointment booking through the NHS App. The introduction of PIFU allows patients to reach out for care without waiting for the trust’s contact, providing the flexibility to request appointments even outside normal booking hours.
This digital transformation empowers patients, simplifying appointment processes and eliminating lengthy phone calls or paperwork. Furthermore, Rotherham’s implementation of PIFU is ahead of national objectives outlined in the NHS Elective Care Recovery Plan. As part of this plan, at least 5% of outpatient appointments must be part of PIFU pathways by March 2029, with full integration expected by 2026.
John Clarke, head of client solutions at Netcall, noted that this achievement is a result of effective collaboration with NHS trusts nationwide to integrate digital solutions. The incorporation of PIFU pathways into the NHS App supports trusts in enhancing efficiency, reducing administrative workload, and delivering more responsive healthcare to patients.
In addition to PIFU, Rotherham NHS has also made strides in patient engagement through the launch of a diagnostic booking system in April 2024, in partnership with Netcall. This new system aims to improve access for patients seeking diagnostic services. The collaboration also branched into a partnership with C2-Ai in May 2025, combining clinical analytics with technology to optimize decision-making between the NHS and local government. This initiative is designed to alleviate pressures on NHS services, prevent avoidable harm, minimize emergency department visits, and enhance targeted community interventions.
Overall, Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust’s advancements in digital healthcare through the NHS App foster improved patient experiences and operational efficiency, setting a benchmark for future outpatient care models across the country.
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