Hospital outpatients may soon be able to book their own follow-up appointments whenever it suits them if a new trial is approved.

The new system will allow patients to get rid of regular, automatic reviews and book follow-up appointments to suit their own needs, not the hospital's.

This will allow patients access to care as and when they need it and avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital, saving both time and money.

Removing unnecessary appointments should also make it easier to see a consultant more quickly.

South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust is trialling the new Patient Initiated Follow Up system in its Rheumatology department from October 2021, with a number of other specialties set to follow in 2022.

Peter Hutchinson, senior trust specialist in Rheumatology, has welcomed the "more effective" system.

"With PIFU, patients still have the same ability to access specialist care, just in a more efficient way that focuses on their needs and wishes," he said.

"Because this approach will help to free up clinical time it will also enable those patients who do need to see their specialist to do so more quickly."

Mr Hutchinson stressed that the system would be flexible as some patients will still require regular follow up appointments.

"Of course, PIFU won't be suitable for all patients because some do need to have those regular follow-up appointments to ensure their condition is being managed effectively," he added.

"Clinicians will identify patients likely to be suitable for PIFU and discuss it with them first. The system will remain flexible to ensure all patients can access the care they need when they need it."