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Your first time using adult health services

You may be nervous about the first time you use adult health services. This is normal.

Your team in children’s services will discuss your transition with you and your family. Ask them any questions you have.

Before you first appointment

You will get an appointment to meet your new care team.

There are some things you can do to prepare.

Do

  • ask what you need to bring to your appointment

  • write down your concerns and questions

  • take a parent, guardian or a close friend with you, if you want

  • think about how you will get there and plan your route

  • give yourself enough travel time

  • let your new team know if you need help with access

  • cancel or reschedule your appointment if you cannot make it

  • put your appointments into your phone calendar and set reminder alerts, if you have a phone

  • bring a list of your medicines (your pharmacy can help with this) or take a photograph of your medicine labels

At your first appointment

You will meet the new team taking over your care.

Your existing team will be there to talk about how your condition has been managed so far.

Ask any questions you have at this meeting.

Your new team

Your new team may be made up of different types of professionals. This depends on your medical condition.

Your new team may have a:

  • consultant
  • nurse
  • dietitian
  • physiotherapist
  • psychologist
  • social worker
  • youth worker

It can help to write down:

  • each member of your new team
  • what their role is in your care

Questions to ask your new team

  • Where do I go if I need to get care after hours or at weekends?
  • Is it OK for me to come to the clinic without my parents?
  • Is it OK for me to come to the clinic with my parents?
  • Will you tell my parents what we talk about?
  • Can you explain my condition to me?
  • Where can I get more information on my condition?
  • What medicine or treatment do I need to take?
  • What happens if I forget to take my medicine?
  • What side effects or changes should I look out for ?

After your first appointment

After you meet your new team, your care will still be managed by your existing team until your first adult clinic appointment.

This is usually around 3 months later.

When you move to adult services, it is important that you talk to your new team. Discuss any worries or questions you may have. They will tell you how to contact them.

Page last reviewed: 9 September 2024
Next review due: 9 September 2027