Transition services – moving from child to adult healthcare

Supporting a young person as they move from children’s to adult healthcare services can feel emotional, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelming. This page is here to reassure you, answer common questions, and explain how you can stay involved and informed throughout the process.

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About the service

The Transition Service has been developed to help support children moving into adult healthcare services. The team ensures both patients and healthcare professionals receive the support needed to ensure a smooth process.

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A guide for parents and carers

Supporting a young person as they move from children’s to adult healthcare services can feel emotional, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelming. This page is here to reassure you, answer common questions, and explain how you can stay involved and informed throughout the process.

The Transition team have answered some of the questions parents commonly ask about their child’s care as they move into adult care.

I’m worried I won’t have a role in my child’s health anymore. What can I do?

It’s very normal for parents and carers to feel this way.

As your child grows into a young adult, healthcare teams will start encouraging them to take more ownership of their health, but you still play an important role.

Here’s how you can stay involved:

  • Continue talking openly with your child about their health and what support they need
  • Encourage them to ask questions at appointments
  • Help them practise skills, such as booking appointments or managing medication
  • Attend appointments with their permission
  • Keep communicating with their healthcare team if you have concerns.

In the case of young people who do not have the capacity to make decisions on their own, the healthcare team will discuss with you the decision-making processes set out by The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the role of the family.

More guidance can be found about on the NHS website here.

If my child is admitted to Doncaster or Bassetlaw Hospital, can I stay overnight?

Moving from a children’s ward to an adult ward can feel like a big change, not just for your young person, but for you as a parent or carer too. We understand this difference can be worrying as adult wards are set up for adult patients, who are cared for in a more independent environment. Because of this, overnight stays for parents and carers are not always possible. However, we recognise that some young people, especially those with additional needs or complex conditions, may still require parental support.

If you feel staying overnight is essential, please talk to us. There are situations where reasonable adjustments may be considered.

  • Speak with the Nurse in Charge on the ward
  • For planned admissions, discuss your concerns during the pre-admission appointment.

Our teams will always listen and will consider your child or young person’s individual needs and circumstances. Even if staying overnight isn’t possible, we will work with you to make sure your child or young person feels safe and supported, and that you remain involved in their care.

Who do I contact for support or questions about my child’s transition?

Your main source of support will be your child’s named worker in their clinical speciality. They can offer:

  • Guidance throughout the transition process
  • Information about adult services
  • Advice tailored to your child’s condition and needs.

You can also reach out to the DBTH Transition Team for further help.

What are the visiting hours in the adult wards?

We have an open and flexible visiting policy, recognising the vital role of family, friends, and carers in patient care.

Helpful tips for getting ready for Adult Services

Getting ready to move to adult healthcare can feel like a big change, but there are lots of easy things you can do to feel more confident and prepared.

Ask your current doctor, nurse, or therapist:

  • If you’ll be moving to adult services
  • When this might happen
  • What the process will look like.

Write down any questions you have before meeting your new adult healthcare team:

  • Make a list of questions
  • Include anything you’re unsure or worried about
  • Remember that no question is too small!

If you have a care plan (ACP, ECP), eg a therapy plan or health passport, make sure your new adult team has a copy so they know exactly what support is needed.

Keep a record of what medicines you take, how much and how often, and any allergies.
You can also take photos of your medicine labels on your phone, so you don’t forget.

Store important numbers somewhere easy to find, such as your doctor, nurse or therapist. Having them saved means you can contact someone quickly if you need help.

It’s also useful to keep track of your medical history, including any allergies and your vaccination history
This can help you share information with new healthcare teams in the future.

Make use of the NHS app, within this you can:

  • Check your health information
  • Order prescriptions
  • See and send messages
  • Book or manage appointments.

If someone explains something and you don’t understand, ask them to repeat it or ask them to explain it in a different way. It’s always okay to ask.

Register with a GP. If you’re moving away or don’t already have one, you’ll need to register with a GP practice.
You can register for local GP services here.

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A guide for young people

What does transition mean?

Transition is the process of preparing, planning, and moving from children’s healthcare services to adult services. It’s not something that happens overnight; it’s a gradual journey that helps you feel ready, confident, and supported.

We know it can feel strange or scary to leave a team you’ve known for years, but being involved in transition can help you feel more in control and excited about the future.

Most young people start thinking about transition around 13–14 years old. If you’re already over 14 and no one has mentioned it yet, it’s totally OK to ask at your next appointment.

Why do I need to transition?

As you become a young adult, your health needs change, and you’ll benefit from doctors and nurses who are specially trained to care for adults.

Transition helps you:

  • Understand your health better
  • Build confidence in managing your own care
  • Start making decisions about your health
  • Know who will support you in adult services.

Your children’s team and adult team will work together to make sure everything is safe and smooth.

When does transition start?

There isn’t one “right age” for everyone. Your healthcare team may have a suggested time, but you’ll always be involved in deciding when the move feels right for you.

What will be different in adult services?

Adult services give you more independence. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Doctors and nurses will talk more directly to you
  • You can choose to attend appointments on your own.

Adult teams can help with topics like:

  • university or college
  • travelling
  • work
  • relationships and sexual health.

You’ll create a Transition Plan, so you always know what’s happening and who your team will be.

What if I’m not ready?

Totally normal! Lots of young people feel unsure, especially if they’ve known their children’s team for a long time. Talking about transition early gives you time to:

  • ask questions
  • explore worries
  • go at a pace that feels right for you.

There is no “one size fits all”.

What happens during transition?

Many teams use the Ready Steady Go programme.

It helps you:

  • think about your health now and your future
  • learn how to manage appointments and medicines
  • talk about independence, education, work, and wellbeing
  • Meet the adult team before you move
  • feel confident and supported throughout the process.

Who can support me?

Your healthcare team is here to guide you every step of the way. They can help by:

  • Teaching you about your condition
  • Helping you build independence and make decisions
  • Seeing you alone for part of your appointment (when you’re ready)
  • Making sure you know who to contact and where to get help
  • Helping you understand how your condition may affect school, college, work, or lifestyle.

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Contact the team

Charlotte Mell, Paediatric Transition Lead and Natalie Jacques, Adult Transition Lead.

If you ever need support or have questions, please contact:

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Further resources

Patient information leaflets:

Other websites:

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