Transition to adult services

What is transition?

Transition is the process of moving from children’s to adult health services. It helps young people with bladder and bowel conditions get the right care as they grow up.

The process is planned around your needs, abilities, and hopes for the future. You and your parents or carers will be involved in making decisions about your health.

Why do I need to move to adult services?

As you get older, you might have new health needs or want to talk about things that children’s services don’t cover. Moving to adult services makes sure you get the right support.

Where does transition happen?

Transition is usually discussed in a clinic, and you may be invited to attend appointments there or over the phone.

When does transition start?

There is no set age for transition, but it often starts in your early teenage years. Your paediatric nurse will talk to you about it. Before you move to adult services, the team will do an assessment when you are around 17-18 years old.

What happens during transition?

• You will learn about your condition and how to manage it.
• You might start attending part or all of your clinic/ telephone appointments on your own.
• You may have a meeting where your children’s nurse and adult nurse will both be there.
• You will talk about how your condition affects school, work, daily life, and social activities.

What if I get incontinence pads through the Home Delivery Service?

If you already receive incontinence pads, you will be re assessed by the Children’s team before you transition into the Adult Services.  You may need to fill in bladder and bowel diaries. The products you receive might change to match adult service guidelines.

Information about prescriptions

• Pads are not given for conditions that can be treated, like constipation or occasional bedwetting.
• Pads are prescribed on clinical need as a last resort, there are other economical devices that can be used such as special made incontinence underwear and device, sheaths, washable underwear.