In this section, you will find the answers to the key questions that were raised by young people and their parent(s)/guardian(s).
The FAQs have been organised into the five categories listed below:
About Transition
The decision about the age at which a young person will transfer to adult health care services can depend on several things, such as how healthy they are and hospital policy. The final decision on when you will transfer should be made together by you, your parent(s) /guardian(s) and the health care team.
Your consultant and health care team should talk to you about transition but often this does not happen until you are very close to actually making the move. You and your parent(s)/guardian(s) should start asking your consultant and team about transition now so that you can begin to prepare.
The thought of moving to a new hospital and new clinic can be a little daunting for you and your parent(s)/guardian(s). From talking to young people who have already transferred to adult services, we know that preparing for the move is very important. Once you get used to the new surroundings and get to know your new team, you should settle into the new routine. Some young people look forward to the move, they want to be seen in a more mature environment and be spoken to directly.
Depending on your condition, you may find that when you visit the adult clinic there will be older people there too. Some hospitals run ‘young people’ clinics on a regular basis. Before you make the move, you should get in touch with the new adult clinic and find out if they have a clinic for young people.
It can often be difficult to break the relationship with the team that you have been used to in the children’s service. Your natural instinct might be to ring them if you have a query. However, once you move on to the adult service, it is important for you (and your parent(s)/guardian(s)) to discuss any worries or questions with your new health care team. You should be given information on how to contact your new adult healthcare team at your first adult clinic appointment.
Support
Getting used to being the person that is spoken to all the time can feel good but also a little scary too. While it is great to feel like you are being spoken to as an adult, it can also take a while to get used to this.
As with any change it may take time to adjust to this. Some people continue to bring a parent or someone they trust with them to appointments, especially at the start. It can be really helpful to have someone there even just to listen to what is being said. Becoming more independent does not mean you have to do everything on your own. People of all ages often bring a person with them for support. Remember though that you will be the one expected to talk about your health and ask or answer questions. At the end of the day you will be the one responsible for your health.
Personal
My Healthcare Team
Open and Honest
Ask Questions
Terms
My New Hospital or Clinic
Young people with different medical conditions will be transferred to different hospitals. Many hospitals have websites that provide useful patient information. You should ask your current health care detail for information about which hospital/clinic you will be transferred to.
Once you know the hospital/clinic that you will be attending, you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) should check out the exact location and then find out your approximate travel time. You can do this by using Google Maps
My Appointment
This will vary depending on your condition, diagnosis and the hospital that you attend and will usually be decided after your first visit.
Open and Honest
Your new health care team are there to support you and to enable you to stay well. The best way for them to do this is if you are honest and open with them. Tell them as much about your condition as you can. It is natural for young people to feel that they cannot tell the truth at times when they know they might not be taking care of themselves as they would like to. However, if you are truthful about your medications and/or treatments and how well or unwell you have been feeling, they will be able to provide the best treatment for you.
My Health
To get as much information as possible about your transition, you should speak to your consultant and health care team. Also, make sure to check out the various resources on this website.