Transition to Adult Services: Information for Young People
As a young person transitioning (moving) from children to adult services, we understand that it can be a very uncertain time for you and your loved ones. We want to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible, supporting you to make informed choices about your care.
This may mean having different professionals being involved in your care who can help you along your journey. Throughout your journey, you will meet a range of Healthcare Professionals which may include:
- Consultants and Doctors who are specialised in your health condition.
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) who will provide you with support and advice about your health condition.
- Nurses and Health Care Support Workers work together to support you with your day to day care, by following your care plan that has been provided by your consultant/CNS. They can also attend your clinic appointments as your chaperone.
- Volunteers who can help you find your way around the hospital.
- Physiotherapists who assess your mobility and help you to re-gain your mobility.
- Occupational Therapists who will help you with everyday tasks and encourage you to do as much as you can for yourself. If there is a task you are struggling with, they will work with you to find a practical solution.
- Pharmacists who provide support with ordering and dispensing your medication.
- Radiographers who may use a variety of imaging techniques such as: x-rays, CT scand and MRI's, to help detect and treat a range of conditions.
Shared Decision Making
It is important that you feel involved in your care and that you can express what is important to you.
We will support and encourage you to find your voice by involving you in the decision making process. This can be applied by asking these questions during your health appointments:
- What are my choices?
- What is good and bad about each choice?
- How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right for me?
Transition support
The Transition team support young people up to the age of 24 with long term health conditions or individual needs.
As an outpatient, the Transition team and staff members can offer support and guidance along your journey into adult services by:
- Supporting you to feel confident about moving into adult services.
- Supporting you with appointments and helping you achieve a greater understanding about your healthcare.
- Encouraging you to plan and prepare for your healthcare.
As an inpatient, the Transition team can offer you the following reasonable adjustments to ensure your stay is comfortable as possible:
- Where possible we will try and allocate you a young person's side room where a family member or friend (over the age of 18) can stay with you overnight.
- A young person friendly menu to suit your dietary requirements.
- Parking/travel discounts are available during your admission (please ask a member of staff for a parking permit).
We encourage you to bring in your home comforts that will make your stay a little more comfortable; (pyjamas, comfortable clothing, toiletries, phone charger, earphones etc). Please note, all electrical equipment will require PAT (safety) testing. If you plan to bring in your own devices, please contact us in advance.
We understand that everyone has individual needs so please inform a member of staff if there is anything else you would find helpful during your stay.
Contacting the Transition Service
If you would require further information regarding transition support, or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments, please contact the Transition Service:
📞 07919396148 | Sarah Simmons, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Transition to Adult Services
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Your wellbeing matters
It is important to look after yourself, below are a variety of services that you may find helpful in supporting your health and wellbeing.
Sexual Health
Free and confidential sexual health advice and information in your area.
www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services
Alcohol/ Smoking/ Drugs
Free advice and support if you are worried about your drinking, smoking or drug use.
www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice
www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking
www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/alcohol-drugs
Healthy Lifestyle
NHS advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight and exercise.
www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-and-young-people
www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet
www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/wheelchair-users-fitness-advice
Mental Health
There are variety of services available that can support your mental health.
www.kooth.com (ages 11-25)
www.forwardthinkingbirmingham.nhs.uk (up to age 25)
www.papyrus-uk.org