Transition to adult health services from children’s services
Part of preparing for adulthood is planning for transition to adult health services. This will usually begin from around age 13-14 years but can be earlier. It is about helping you to understand what will happen in the future and giving advice and information, so you and your family know what changes to expect.
Not everyone will be totally independent, but it is important that young people are involved in discussions about their health, even if they still need or want help from others.
Everyone’s needs will be different, but transition could involve moving to an adult service between the ages of 16- 19, some teams will see young people in children’s services until they are older. For others their main source of support may be their GP and primary care services.
What to expect from age 16
Letters may be addressed to you rather than your parent or carers.
You might be asked if you want to go into appointments on your own. You can still ask your parent or carer to go in with you if you prefer.
You will be encouraged to participate in decision making about your healthcare, professionals will support you with this. You can continue to ask parent / carers to support if you wish, this is called Shared Decision Making.
You may have to make and cancel your own health appointments; you can give someone else permission to do this for you.
The age that children’s services finish and adult services start varies depending on the service and where people live.
“If you are over 16 and not able to make decisions on your own, then health professionals will follow special rules that are part of the Mental Capacity Act. ”
Mental Capacity Act An Easy Read Guide 2005, www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/mental-capacity-act
When a young person reaches age 16, they can agree to examination or treatment like an adult and conversations with health workers will be private, unless the young person wants to include their parent or carer.
Annual health check and Learning Disabilities
From 14 years old anyone with a learning disability can have an annual health check at their local GP practice. An annual health check can help you stay well by talking to a doctor or nurse about your health and finding any problems early, so they can be sorted. You can ask questions about your health; any medicines you take and talk about how you are feeling. Learning disabilities - Annual health checks - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
More information about transitions from children’s to adult services can be found in the video below