Rheumatology teenage and transition service

This resource is intended to provide information about the Rheumatology teenage and transition service

What is transition?

Transition is the process of moving your care from children’s to adult services. The purpose of transition is to:

• treat you more independently and more like an adult
• allow you to ask questions and talk to a doctor or nurse on your own and in confidence
• help you to understand your condition and treatment
• prepare you and your family for being seen in the adult hospital

Sheffield Children’s Hospital teenage clinics

What is the teenage clinic?

Teenagers are those aged 10 to 19. The Rheumatology tdolescent clinic is held at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for young people over the age of 10 until they transfer to the adult Rheumatology Service.

When will I go to the teenage clinic?

This will depend on your needs and maturity. Some people are ready for their first appointment in the teenage clinic at an earlier age than others but it is usually between the ages of 11 and 14.

How is an teenage clinic different from a normal rheumatology clinic?

When you come to the teenage clinic you will be seen by doctors and nurses from both the children’s and the adult hospital.

You may have some time with the doctors or nurses alone without your parents being present.

What if I don’t want to be seen without my parents?

Lots of people will be worried about being seen on their own for the first time. We like to see you alone so that we can find out how much you know about your condition and treatment, talk to you about personal issues and so that you get used to being seen alone ready for when you go to the young adult clinic.

If you are worried about being seen in clinic without your parents and would like to speak to the rheumatology nurses please don’t hesitate to contact us.

How often will I be seen in the teenage clinic?

We usually see people in the teenage clinic every 3 months but this may be more or less frequent depending on your needs.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Young Adult Clinics

What is the young adult clinic?

The Rheumatology Young Adult Clinic is held at either Graves Leisure Centre or The Royal Hallamshire Hospital for young adults age 16-25.

When will I go to the young adult clinic?

You will be offered your first appointment in the young adult clinic around the age of 16 at a time when your condition is stable, avoiding times of important events such as exams.

How is a young adult clinic different from an teenage clinic?

At your first young adult appointment you will usually be seen by a doctor from the adult service and the children’s and adult nurses who you will know from the teenage clinics

You can bring your parents, a friend or relative with you but they will be asked to wait outside for some of your appointment.

Can I be transferred to a different adult hospital?

You can discuss this with the staff in your teenage clinic appointments. We may advise that you are transferred to the Sheffield service who may then be able to share care with a local hospital.

What if I have a problem between my last teenage appointment and my first young adult appointment?

If you need anything before you have been seen in the young adult clinic you should contact the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Rheumatology Team.

At your first young adult appointment you will be given contact details for the adult team and advised who to contact in the future.

What if I am unhappy about being transitioned to adult services?

Please talk to a member of the Rheumatology Team if you have any concerns about your transition to adult services, we will be happy to listen to any worries you have and try to make the transition process as pleasant as possible.

We may also be able to put you in contact with a patient who has already transitioned if you feel this will be helpful.