We use the word transition to describe the process of preparing young people to transfer from a paediatric healthcare team to an adolescent or adult healthcare environment.
Transition is a gradual process. All our staff in adolescent services are experts in caring for adolescents and young adults.
The thought of moving to a new hospital and leaving the staff that you have got to know over the years can be difficult, as it is with any change throughout a young person’s life whether this is moving from primary school to secondary, college to university or entering into employment. It is our job to ensure that we make this transition as easy as possible for you. Many patients at UCLH have been patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and then transition to us when their team at GOSH feel that they are ready.
A tour of UCLH
This video will enable you to view various sections of the hospital at your convenience. It will allow you to familiarise yourself with where the hospital is located and different departments which may be of use to you. We hope this makes you feel slightly less anxious and more comfortable about coming to your new hospital environment and moving around with ease. You may also be given an opportunity to take a physical tour with your transition coordinator on the day of your first appointment. Please speak to them when you meet them or on the phone when arranging your appointment to organise this.
One of the biggest differences between a children’s hospital and an adolescent setting is the amount of independence you will be given in relation to your care. This will encourage you to learn about your condition which enables you to be more involved in your care and make decisions for yourself. Although this can be scary, it is also good to have more control over your health and the care you are given. When you are asked to make decisions about your health, you will be given all the information you need to make the right choice.
Please ask a member of the team if you would like more information or support. You can also email us on UCLH.
The transition coordinator works as part of the Adolescent Rheumatology Clinic between Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London Hospital to help make your transition as smooth as possible.
The co-ordinator will introduce herself during your last appointment at Great Ormond Street Hospital and see you within your new hospital environment at UCLH and will go through an information pack with you and this includes documents outlining:
- Your appointment at the adolescent rheumatology department (tells you how to prepare for your appointment, what to expect when you arrive/during your appointment and information on travel, closest tube stations and bus routes which are most easily accessible to UCLH).
- Your Transition coordinator (tells you all specific ways your transition coordinator can support you alongside their contact details).
- Meet the team ( shows you our whole team and provides details of each individual who they are and what they do. It also includes contact detail for the majority of staff in order to make them as easily accessible to you as possible when you have a query or require advice).
- Blood test fact sheet
