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The planned investigation treatment unit (PITU) is the first of its kind in the UK.
It is a nurse-led unit providing a wide range of planned investigations and treatments for patients.
The unit is for day patients, meaning patients do not stay overnight, even if they are undergoing surgical procedures.
Its opening hours are 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday – it is closed on bank holidays and weekends.
We ask that all patients attend their appointment unaccompanied, except in exceptional circumstances.
If you need to be accompanied, please check with the PITU unit manager at least two days before you arrive for your appointment to see if this is possible. The PITU is not an appropriate setting to bring children of any age into.
Please arrive promptly for your appointment, though as we do not have a waiting area, if you arrive more than five minutes early for your appointment, you will be asked to return nearer to your appointment time.
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, and you may see a doctor or a clinical nurse specialist during your visit.
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.
- For more information about your treatment or procedure, please consult with your specialist team.
Please bring a list of all recent medications you take with you. Also bring along any medications you are currently taking, as we may not be able to supply these during your stay.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You may have to change into a gown if you are having a procedure, which will be provided.
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 mobile phone, laptop or tablet. If you do choose to bring electronic devices, we ask that you bring headphones to wear to avoid disturbing other patients.
Please be aware we cannot be responsible for any valuables you bring in with you.
The Royal Free 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 on 0333 240 4909.
There is more information available on the non-emergency transport page.
Hotel stays are available for patients who are receiving several days of consecutive treatment and/or live outside of the M25.
To find out if you are eligible, please contact the PITU well in advance of your appointment on 020 7317 7507.
If you are eligible for a hotel stay, please ensure you book this with the PITU’s reception team.
Your feedback is important. Please complete a PITU experience questionnaire while you are on the unit. There is a kiosk in reception and a portable tablet is also available.
If you need advice or have concerns about your care or treatment, please discuss this with a member of staff or contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS).
Referrals are via hospital specialties only.
