Transition

Transition to Adult Services

Moving from children’s to adult healthcare is a gradual process. It gives you time to prepare, ask questions, and get to know your new team before the move happens.

What is transition?

Transition is the process of helping young people move from children’s healthcare services to adult services. It is designed to support you as you become more independent and take a bigger role in managing your health and care.

We understand that leaving a team you know well can feel worrying. Our aim is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the process.

Why do I need to move?

As you get older, your care may be better supported by doctors and nurses who specialise in treating young adults and adults. Adult services are designed to meet the needs of older teenagers and young people as they become more independent.

Although moving to a new hospital or team can feel like a big change, you will have support along the way and time to get to know the new staff as well as having joint clinics intially.

When will transition happen?

There is no exact age that is right for everyone. Transition planning usually starts before the move itself, with most young people transferring to adult services between the ages of 16 and 19.

Transition planning meetings between your local and Bristol teams will consider each patients ongoing treatment or follow up needs and agree the best plan going forward.

What will be different in adult services?

Adult services usually encourage more independence. Doctors and nurses will speak directly with you more often and help you become more involved in decisions about your care.

You may choose to attend some appointments on your own, but you can still bring a parent, carer, or friend for support if you want to.

How can I prepare?

You can start preparing for transition by:

• Learning more about your condition and treatments

• Practising asking questions during appointments

• Knowing what medicines you take and when to take them

• Learning how to arrange appointments and request prescriptions

• Keeping important phone numbers and appointment dates somewhere safe

• Understanding when to ask for urgent medical help

Who can support me?

Your healthcare team is here to help you prepare for the move to adult services. They can answer questions, explain what to expect, and support you in becoming more confident managing your health.

Your parents or carers also continue to play an important role. Transition can be a big change for families too, and talking openly about any worries or concerns can help make the move easier.

For more information about transition support, you can visit Ready Steady Go.

Helpful Links

Transition at University Hospitals Bristol

Transition information for Haemophilia patients (University Hospitals Bristol)

Ready Steady Go programme (Ready Steady Go)

Transition: moving into adult care. Information for young people and families (Ready Steady Go)