This leaflet answers frequently asked questions about the planned investigation and treatment unit (PITU). If you would like further information, or have any worries, ask your nurse or doctor. In all cases a doctor or nurse will explain the procedure or treatment that you are having while staying on PITU and answer any questions you may have.

If you have any specific queries about your treatment or procedure, please ensure you contact the specialist team who referred you to us before you attend your appointment.

What is PITU?

PITU, also known as the planned investigation and treatment unit, is a relaxed and friendly environment at the Royal Free Hospital where patients can have their treatments or procedures in a day care setting.

Opening times

The opening hours of the unit are Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. We are closed on Bank holidays and at the weekends.

How to find us

PITU is located on the second floor of the Royal Free Hospital.

Please take the clinic lifts or stairs located to the right of the main hospital reception desk to the second floor. Turn right when you come out of the lift, through the double doors and follow the signs to 2 North. Please note: there is no access to PITU via the main hospital lifts.

On arrival, please check in at our reception desk.

When to arrive

You will be given an appointment time, so please arrive at the allocated time.

Late arrival of more than 30 minutes may result in you not being seen on time or being rescheduled to another day. If you are running late for your appointment, contact us as early as possible on 020 7317 7507 or by email: rf.pitu@nhs.net.

What to expect

Due to infection control restrictions that may be in place in the hospital, all patients will be required to wear a mask for the duration of their stay.

We also ask that our patients attend their appointment unaccompanied, except in exceptional circumstances.  Please check with the unit staff before you arrive for your appointment to see if this is possible.

When you first arrive, you will be directed to a treatment area by a member of the PITU team. You may have a recliner chair, trolley, side room or procedure room depending on the type of treatment you are having.

You will have a named nurse who will look after you during your stay, and you may see a doctor or a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) during your stay.

Please note:

  • If you need to have a blood test you may need to wait for results before treatment can be started, or your appointment may need to be rescheduled if you are unfit for treatment.
  • Leaflets on certain treatments are available on PITU if required. Please ask your nurse for further information

Future appointments

Some treatments require follow-up appointments. If this is the case, it is advisable to book one with the reception team before you leave the unit. Appointments can also be booked by emailing: rf.pitu@nhs.net.

What happens if I am unable to attend my appointment?

You can contact the unit by telephone 020 7317 7507 or by email: rf.pitu@nhs.net, with as much notice as possible, as we may be able to offer the appointment to someone else. We will then reschedule your appointment for you.

Some treatments are dependent on funding. If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible to minimise the risk of losing funding for your treatment plan.

What to wear

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You may have to change into a gown if you are having a procedure. This will be provided for you.

What to bring

As you may be on the unit for several hours, please ensure you have things to do.

Many of our patients bring reading material, crosswords, Sudoku etc. Wi-Fi is also available, so you are welcome to bring a smart device or laptop. If you choose to bring a device with you, please remember to bring headphones too.

Please be aware we cannot be responsible for any valuables you bring with you.

Medications

Please bring a list of all recent medications you take with you.

Please also bring along any medications you are currently taking, as we may not be able to supply these during your stay.

Refreshments

We offer free tea, coffee and biscuits and there is a cold-water dispenser on the unit. A light lunch will be provided if you are staying for the whole day.

There are also shops on the ground floor of the hospital if you wish to purchase refreshments.

What happens if I live a long way away?

Hotel stays are available for patients who are receiving several days of consecutive treatment and/or live outside the M25.

To see if you are eligible, telephone 020 7317 7507. If you are eligible for a hotel stay, please ensure you book with our reception team on your departure from the unit.

Can I get hospital transport?

The hospital provides a non-emergency transport service for patients who meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Health and Social Care. If you would like to know whether you are eligible for hospital transport, please contact the transport department: 033 3240 4909.

For more information, please visit our website: www.royalfree.nhs.uk/services/non-emergency-patient-transport.

Patient feedback

Your feedback is important to us. We would appreciate it if you would be able to complete a PITU experience questionnaire after your visit to the unit. You can do this by asking staff for the handheld device to complete the questionnaire or by using the kiosk in our reception.

If you have any questions about completing the PITU experience questionnaire, speak to a member of staff.