Outpatient clinic
In the past patients with long term problems would come regularly to these clinics, sometimes once a year and sometimes more often.  The COVID-19 pandemic meant this was seen as dangerous, so there has been a big increase in the use of telephone, video and email to check up on people.  There has also been a big increase in what is called patient-initiated follow-up appointments or PIFU.  It is down to the patient to contact the hospital if they think they need medical help.