Metabolic bone disease transition

Introducing the idea of transition

As you are getting older it is important to start talking to you about your transition from seeing the Metabolic Bone Team at Sheffield Children’s Hospital to being seen at an adult hospital.

What is transition?

Transition is the move from one place or phase to another, for example moving from primary to secondary school is a transition you will have made already. It is good to start planning early so you are prepared when the time comes.

When will I have to stop coming to Sheffield Children’s?

This usually happens between the ages of 16-18 years. People feel ready at different times, this is normal. Some are ready as soon as they turn 16, others may want to wait until nearly 18. Exactly when is up to you.

Why transition?

As you get older, you may feel that you are too old for a children’s hospital. The move to adult health care is the next step. We will give you the chance to practise managing your own health care needs in the friendly, familiar environment of the children’s hospital. You will also be given the chance to meet and chat with Dr Jenny Walsh from the Northern General before you leave.

Don’t worry we know this can be a confusing and sometimes worrying time. Many young people feel unsure about things. This is normal and we will guide you through it.

Co-ordination of care

You may see other doctors at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for different reasons; they may want to ‘transition’ you too. If this is the case, there will be communication between the doctors to try and make sure this will happen at a similar time. If you have a Physiotherapist, Occupational therapist or other, they will talk you about where you can continue this care.

Are parents and carers still involved?

Your parents and carers are involved as they know you well. As time goes on you will gradually increase the amount of responsibility you take for your own healthcare.

If your parents have worries and questions we will do our best to get them through it too!

What happens next?

If you usually come for out-patient appointment we will invite you to our adolescent clinics from the age of 12 to 14, until your final transition at age 16 to 18.

If you usually come in for treatment, we will make sure we will talk with you about transition as regularly as you like.

Checklist

We will run through a checklist of questions designed for your age to get you thinking about your own needs and health, see below.

Feel free to talk to any member of the bone team at any appointment or stay in hospital if you have a question or worry about transition. Alternatively call us on: 0114 2267890.

 To give you an idea, here are the goals for early transition: