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 young people, and everyone involved in care, time to get ready to move to adult services and discuss what healthcare needs are required as an adult.

At the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, we use the Ready, Steady, Go programme to support children and young people moving into adult services. The aim of the programme is to empower young people to take control of their lives and to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage their own healthcare confidentially and successfully.

A short video about the programme can be watched here.

There are different stages to the transition process depending on age. At ROH, the transition process commences from the age of 12 years:

Parents / carers will need to complete the Ready, Steady, Go parent transition plan.
This transition plan is designed to help parents and carers feel confident about their knowledge and skills during the period of transition.

When young people approach the age of 16 to 18 years old, treatment will move from Children’s Services and continue in Adult Services. This means that you will now be seen in the Outpatient’s department for your appointments and you will be admitted for any procedures through ADCU (Admissions and Day Case Unit) or one of our adult wards. We are aware that being a young adult using adult services can be daunting, especially if it is your first experience of staying in hospital.

We have a dedicated Transition to Adult Services Clinical Nurse Specialist called Clare Hinwood. Her role is to provide specialist care, support and advice to all patients aged 16 – 18 and their families whilst in the hospital. Clare also helps to prepare patients for the transition to adult services, from the age of 12 in the Children’s Outpatient department. Clare is always happy to help, if you have any concerns or would like more information please contact: 07970874392 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The following information leaflets are intended to provide you with a better understanding of what support and reasonable adjustments are available to young people and their families to help with this hospital journey.

Information for young people and families

Transition: moving into adult care

Transition at ROH: for 16 - 18 year olds

Preparing for your admission at ROH during COVID-19

Preparing for your Outpatient appointment