Discussions about transition to adult health services should happen from age 14 onwards. Young people will move into adult health services between the ages of 16 and 19 years, depending on which child health service is supporting you.
Not all health services will be required on the journey towards adulthood. Paediatric care for a young person may cease before they are 18 when responsibility for arranging additional health support passes to the doctor. Some young people will have been supported by healthcare professionals within children's health services, at home, in the hospital, at clinics and at school. These services may not be available in adult health services as most services are very different, they may have to go to another hospital or to be seen in a different clinic.
Ask at the next clinic appointment about transition arrangements, discuss with health professionals what services exist, who runs them and who is responsible for funding them from age 18.
Hear Vivek Gohil’s story about Transition to Adulthood: