Transition to adult care

In healthcare, we use the word 'transition' to describe the process of preparing, planning and moving from children’s to adult services.

Transition is a gradual process that gives you, and everyone involved in your care, time to get you ready to move to adult services and discuss what healthcare needs you will require as an |adult. This includes deciding which services are best for you and where you will receive that care. Transition is about making plans with you - and not about you.

We understand that moving away from a team of doctors and nurses that you have been with for many years can be scary but hopefully, by getting involved in the transition process, you will feel more confident and happier about the move.

When to make the transition

As you get older, you will find that some of the things you want to discuss or some of the care you might need is not covered by the children's services. Adult services are used to dealing with all sorts of issues that may arise, such as higher education, travelling careers and sex.

You may also find that you would prefer to be seen in a more grown-up environment, rather than the usual children's departments or wards.There is no exact time that is right for everyone. Your doctors and nurses may have an idea about when they feel that you might be ready but it is important that you are involved in that decision.

Choosing where to move to

Part of the transition process will involve helping you to look at where your ongoing healthcare needs can be met and how this will fit in with your future plans.

Your consultant of family doctor (GP) will be able to give you information to help you make the best decision. If there is a choice of places, it is a good idea to visit all of them and then decide which is best for you.

Helping you to get ready

Your healthcare team will be able to give you information and support about moving on. They can help you get ready for adult services by:

• Teaching you about your condition or illness, it's treatment and any possible side affects.
• When you are ready, seeing you on your own for part of the clinic appointment and working towards seeing you on your own for the whole of the clinic appointment.
• Making sure you know when to get help and who to contact in an emergency
• Helping you understand how your condition or illness might affect your future education or career plans
• Making sure you know about the support networks available
• Making sure you understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, diet, smoking and sex.

Involving your family

Your parents and carers have been really important in looking after your health and will be able to give you lots of helpful advice.

While you are in the process of transition, your parents will still be very involved in your care and their role is still important. Try to talk to them and your healthcare team about how you feel about moving on to adult care and any questions or concerns you might have. Also try to discuss practical issues relating to your health, such as getting to appointments, getting repeat prescriptions and asking questions in clinic.

While transition is all about you, it is important to realise that your parents may also be finding the process difficult, as now they are handing over the responsibility to you. This can be hard for many parents as they may have worries of their own.

You may find talking to them about your feelings, and giving them a chance to tell you how they feel, will help you all through the process.

Questions you might like to discuss with your health care team

• What is the plan for my transition?
• When am I moving to adult services?
• Can I choose which adult service I move to?
• What is different about the adult service?
• Can I meet the adult staff before I leave children's services?
• Can I visit the adult service to look around?
• Are there any young people I can talk to about moving to adult services?
• What do I need to know before I move to the adult service?
• When can I start getting more involved in my health care?
• How will my condition affect my future, such as education and employment prospects?