University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) have a website dedicated to transition – you can access this site here.

What is transition?

The word ‘transition’ is used to describe a process of planning and moving to adult services. We will help your child understand their condition and build confidence to manage and take responsibility for their own health.

The process is gradual and usually starts when your child is between 11-12 years old. The benign haematology family support worker and the adult support worker will meet with your child during a clinic appointment to discuss the first steps to transition.

Transition is about working with the child and listening to their needs as well as promoting independence to attend clinic appointments alone and taking responsibility for their own medication. We also encourage the young person to ask questions during consultations and to be involved in decision making.

When does transition happen?

The transfer will usually happen when the patient is 16 years old when they have completed GCSE’s although this can be subject to change and may be slightly later depending on the young person’s health and the current treatment they are receiving. The patient will be taken on a tour of the adult hospital to enable them to familiarise themselves with the setting. The Clinical Nurse Specialist for the adult team will also attend the patients last clinic appointment.

How is information shared between teams when I transition?

The patient will be discussed at a regional multi-disciplinary meeting by the Paediatric Haemoglobinopathy consultant then transferred to the adult service. This could be within Bristol or the Southwest region. However, patients will still be cared for by the paediatric service until they have their first appointment with the adult team.

If the patient is transferring to adult services outside of the Bristol area the support workers will arrange a virtual meeting with that local team and the patient to ensure a smooth transfer process.

Will the adult service be different?

Your Haemoglobinopathy team will describe to you ways in which the adult clinic will differ from those you are used to and you will have an opportunity to meet members of the team before you transfer to adult services. The main difference is that you will be more independent in managing your Sickle Cell, Thalassaemia or Rare Inherited Anaemia and making decisions for yourself. You will be given all of the information to help you make the right choice for you and you can be guided and supported by your parents and friends.

You might find some further information about transition on the UHBW Trust transition website here.

Feedback

Once you have transitioned from the paediatric to the adult health service team you can leave feedback on how you found the process by visiting this link or scanning this QR code.