In healthcare, the word transition is used to describe the process of preparing, planning and moving from childrens (paediatric) health services to adult health services. Transition should be a gradual process.
It should give 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.
The Ready, Steady, Go Programme is one approach that may be used. This provides a framework to help to empower children and young people to be involved in the transition process from 11 years of age.
A health worker will discuss whether a young person may need care and treatment from adult health services. Discussions will usually start when a young person is between 14 and 16 years old.
Where young people are going to move into adult services, both children's and adults service health workers will work together to plan this transition.
Use the following links for more information:
Part of the transition process will include a meeting, which young people and their families will be invited to, this is when children and adult health services discuss the future health care.
Please see NHS continuing healthcare.
Parents or carers may have been really important and involved in young people’s care when they are under 18 and in the process of transition, parents may still be very involved in their care. As an adult however, young people can have responsibility for their:
- own decisions, (subject to mental capacity)
- treatment
and how much information is shared about them.
Young people and their families will be supported to understand and be partners in the transition from children's to adult’s health services.
Adult Social Care
Full contact detailsPreparation for adulthood Team
Email: prepforadulthood@dorsetcouncil.gov.ukTel: 01305 224507
Full contact details