Just like growing up, moving from paediatric to adult services doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process of planning, transferring and settling in with the new team.

What is transition?

In healthcare, the word “transition” means getting you ready to move from children’s services to adult services.

Transition is a gradual process that gives you and everyone involved time to prepare without feeling rushed and unsupported. It is about making plans with you and helping you prepare for the change in location of your care and the differences in the support services you can access.

We know it can feel scary leaving the doctors and nurses you known. We hope that by supporting and involving you in the transition you will start to feel more confident and happier about the change.

Why do I have to move?

As you get older you will find that you need care and support from specialist adult trained doctors and nurses. The staff in the Children’s Hospital are specialists in caring for babies, children, and teenagers, the teams in adult services are experts in looking after young adults like you, as well as older adults. You may also find that you want to be cared for in an adult environment rather than in the children’s departments and wards.

The thought of moving to a new hospital and leaving the staff you have known over the years can be difficult but once you get used to the new adult teams and hospital you will soon get to know the staff there.  

When do I have to move?

There is no single right time for everyone to transition. Your doctors and nurses can give guidance on when they think you might be ready, but it’s important that you and your family are involved in the decision. Every young person is different and develops at their own pace, so the timing of the move will vary. For most young people who need to transition, the move to adult services usually happens around their 18th birthday and before their 19th birthday.

What will be different in adult services?

One of the main differences is the amount of independence you will be given. Although this may seem scary, it is good to have more control over your health and the care you are given. This means adult services the doctors and nurses will spend more time talking to you than your parents/carer’s.  You may also choose to go to appointments alone; however, you can still bring your parent, carer, or a close friend to your appointments if you want to. And if you want advice from your parent or carer, you can still ask, that doesn’t have to change.

Where will I go, and can I choose?

Part of the transition process is to look at where your ongoing healthcare needs can be best met. Where possible, we will give you a choice of where you can go for your ongoing care.

Who can help me get ready?

Your healthcare team will be able to give you support and help with any questions you have about preparing and moving into adult services. They can help you by:

• Teaching you about your diagnosis, treatments, medications and possible side effects or complications.
• Starting to see you on your own for part of your appointment when you’re ready, working towards seeing you on your own and helping you come up with questions you may want to ask about your care.
• Explaining the differences between paediatric and adult services, and what you can expect.
• Making sure you know who to contact if you have any concerns or want to make a change with your appointments.
• Helping you understand how your diagnosis may impact your lifestyle, future education or career plans

What can I do to prepare for transition?

• Learn about your condition and treatments.
• Practice asking and answering questions during your clinic appointments. Writing down any questions you have and bringing them with you is always helpful.
• Try to remember what your medicines are called, what they are for, how much to take and when to take them. Keeping a list with you can be helpful.
• Learn when and how to get more supplies of your medicines.
• Know if you are allergic to any tablets or medicines, and what kind of reaction you had.
• Practice arranging your appointments.
• Keep important numbers and appointment dates in your mobile phone, computer, or diary.
• When you agree to treatment plans, try to follow them.
• Try spending part of your clinic appointment without your parent or carer. This may give you the opportunity to ask your doctor more personal questions.
• Find out about any changes in your condition that mean you should get urgent help.
• Find out who to contact in an emergency.

You're not doing this alone. Transition is a team effort and you’re at the centre of it. Your doctors, nurses, and support staff are here to make the move as smooth and positive as possible.

If you ever feel unsure, worried, or just want to talk something through, let your healthcare team know. We're here to help you every step of the way.

To support you through transition, the Ready Steady Go transition programme has been developed, which you can read more about by clicking the link below

https://www.readysteadygo.net/home.html

Your Family

Your parents or carers are an important role in helping you take care of your health, and they’ll continue to support you as you move into adult services. This change can be challenging for them too, as they’re handing more responsibility over to you, which can feel a bit scary.

It can really help to talk openly with your parents or carers about how you’re feeling, they may have their own worries about the move to adult services. It’s also useful to discuss practical things, like managing appointments, getting to clinics, picking up prescriptions, and knowing what questions to ask.