What is transition?
Transition is the process of preparing, planning and moving from children’s to adult services. It’s about making plans with you and not about you. We understand moving away from a team of Health Care Professionals 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.
Why do I have to move?
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 provided by our children’s services. Adult services are familiar with dealing and managing with all sorts of issues that may arise with your health needs.
When do I have to move?
There is no right time 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. The process will start at the age of 14 by completion of the ready, steady, go document in preparation.
This is only a start
From Year 9 onwards is the time to start thinking about adult services and the transition process. For every person, this process will be slightly different, but your healthcare team will be providing you and your family with information about transition during Year 9. This will enable you to be fully prepared when the time comes to make the move to adult services.
Can I choose where I move to?
Part of the transition process should be helping you to look at where your ongoing healthcare needs can be best met and how this will fit in with your future plans.
Who can help get me 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
- Making sure you know when to get help and who to contact in an emergency
- Making sure you know about the support networks available.
Questions you may like to discuss with your healthcare team
- What is the plan for my transition?
- When am I moving to adult services?
- What is different about the adult service?
- Can I visit the adult service to look around?
- What do I need to know before I move to the adult service?
Your family/carers
Your parents/carers have been really important in looking after your health and will be able to give you lots of helpful advice. While you are transitioning, your parents/carers will still be very involved in your care and their role is still important. You may find talking to them about your feelings, and allowing them a chance to tell you how they feel, will help you all through the process.
You can get in touch with the team via [email protected]
More information is available here: Ready Steady Go – TIER Network