Moving from Childrens to Adults Health Services

Moving from Children's to Adults Health Services

Transition from children’s services to adults should be a smooth, seamless process during which young people and their families feel supported and confident that their care will continue to be delivered to the standard they expect.

Thoughts about moving to adult services need to happen at around 14 so there is plenty of time to plan.  When you move to being an adult your care is managed mostly by your GP rather than the hospital so making early links with your GP is essential.  If you have a long-term condition, ask your consultant or specialist nurse to help you make this link. 

If you have a learning disability or have attended a special school, there is a health facilitator who can help you with all your health needs and act as a coordinator to support your transition to adult services.

At South Tees there are Nurse Specialists for respiratory, diabetes, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, and endocrine disorders. Each service has its own transitions plan and has examples of good practice such as using the Ready Steady Go transition planning paperwork, residential holidays for young people to build independence, running school clinics where patients are seen on their own and events for parents and carers to discuss changes and any anxieties.

South Tees Therapy services also have transition pathways to support your move to adult services.  Starting these conversations early and making these links can help to support the move and understand who is involved in your care.  This will help you have the control you and your GP need when it comes time to transition.

If you want to talk to someone about your worries when moving from Children’s to Adult service, speak to the consultant in the service you are under at your next appointment.