13-14 years old
Transition usually starts in early teenage years. We encourage you to see your health professional on your own for part of the consultation, with parents invited to join for part. Transition is not about excluding parents, but about preparing you for how you will experience your care once you turn 18.
Turning 16 and the young adult clinic
A young adult clinic is held twice a month at the Guy’s adult kidney clinic and all our kidney patients are invited to this once they reach their 16th birthday. There’s a young adult kidney care coordinator who helps patients make the transition to the adult service.
You can attend the young adult clinic for up to two years before you transfer to adult services. In the early months it’s about peer and parental support with a change of environment and the children’s team will still be responsible for your care until you turn 18.
For further information, please discuss with your clinical nurse specialist or contact:
- Vanda Fairchild, young adult kidney care co-ordinator, Guy’s Hospital
Tel: 020 7188 7188 ext 52722 / 07581 621 930
Email: vanda.fairchild@gstt.nhs.uk.
Young adults with specific learning needs may require additional support during this time which will be discussed on an individual basis.
After your 18th birthday
After you turn 18, the only major change with your kidney care is the change of responsibility to the adult specialist team and their inpatient services. You’ll continue to attend the young adult clinic either until you are 25 or until you choose to attend a regular adult clinic.
Depending on individual needs, transfer to adult care may be to a local service near where you live, or go to university. If you have stable transplant function, you’ll also have the option of choosing to attend the Guy’s adult kidney unit.