Transition to Adult Services

Transition is an important stage in a young person's healthcare journey. At CHI, we support young people and their families to move from paediatric to adult services in a way that is planned, coordinated and centred on their needs.

Transition to Adult Services

mother with daughter at waiting room in hospital

Our Transition Principles describe how we approach this work across all CHI services.

The principles focus on:

partnered planning
early preparation
working together across services
equity and accessibility
building knowledge, skills and confidence

Young people and families can expect:

clear and accessible information
age-appropriate conversations and support
involvement in planning their care
a joined-up approach between CHI teams, adult hospitals, community services and other partners

“Our aim is to make the move to adult services as smooth and supported as possible."

We are continuing to develop resources for young people and families, including guides, tools and educational materials. These will be added to this page over the coming months.

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Transition to Adult Services
CHI Transition to Adult Services Principles

CHI Transition to Adult Services Principles

The CHI Transition Principles provide a shared framework for how we support young people and their families as they move from paediatric to adult services.

They set out a consistent approach across all CHI teams and specialties, helping us deliver transition in a planned, coordinated and sustainable way.

The Principles support consistent practice, reduce variation and strengthen communication between CHI and partner services. They also align with our shared care SLAs, service design work and the wider Paediatric Model of Care.

Transition is a planned process designed in partnership with each young person and their family, and it is part of how CHI delivers care every day. Transition is everyone's responsibility across CHI, with clear roles and a shared commitment to supporting each young person.

What this means

Shared, personalised planning with the young person at the centre, supported by their family in line with their abilities, preferences, communication needs and cognitive or developmental needs.
Conversations and information that are age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate, recognising that readiness varies.
Clear roles for everyone involved, with a consistent CHI approach so no one feels alone on the journey.
Recognition that some young people may have cognitive challenges, complex needs or ongoing care requirements that mean they will continue to rely on parents or caregivers into adulthood. In these cases, families remain key partners while the young person is supported to participate as fully as possible.

Begin transition conversations early so young people, families and CHI staff have the time and supports needed.

What this means

Early, proactive conversations that are age and developmentally appropriate, giving young people time to understand transition, ask questions and build confidence.
Clear timelines, predictable steps and transparent communication so there are no last-minute surprises.
Planning that anticipates challenges, identifies supports early and advocates for what each young person needs.
Supporting each young person to progress at a pace that works for them, recognising that readiness differs.
Clear information on the transition age of 16, consent and what is developmentally appropriate at different stages.
Opportunities for young people and families to meet adult service teams in advance, where possible, to build familiarity and confidence before transfer.

CHI works closely and consistently across our own teams and specialties, and with adult hospitals, community services and wider partners, to ensure every young person experiences a transition that is seamless, coordinated and fully supported.

What this means

Clear, timely communication between CHI and partner services so everyone understands their role and expectations are managed.
Shared pathways and joint working, including transition clinics where achievable, to build familiarity with adult services.
Person-centred handovers that ensure adult teams have the information they need for safe, continuous care.
Reducing duplication for families by supporting smooth information transfer.
Being as collaborative as possible to prevent gaps in care and advocating for strong transition pathways and services in adult care.
Doing everything within CHI's control to support a joined-up experience, while being transparent about system limitations and advocating for improvements where needed.

Every young person receives high-quality, consistent transition support from CHI, with clear pathways that are equitable, accessible and designed to last.

What this means

A consistent CHI transition pathway across all services.
Equitable support tailored to different needs, including clear, accessible information in formats that meet diverse communication needs.
Reliable and sustainable processes that do not depend on individual staff members or temporary resources.
Recognition of the importance of family support, ensuring families have the information and guidance they need throughout the transition process.
A commitment to measuring transition quality through minimum standards, KPIs and feedback loops, and using this information to continuously improve the transition process.
Identifying and escalating system gaps and advocating for solutions even when these sit outside CHI's direct control.

Young people, and their families or carers, are supported to build the knowledge, skills and confidence for transition. CHI staff, community stakeholders and adult services are supported with clear information and education to help them understand and navigate transition confidently.

What this means

Support to help young people understand their condition, treatment, medications and what changes in adult services.
Readiness tools, personal transition plans and self-management supports tailored to each young person's needs, abilities and cognitive profile.
Clear communication that meets different abilities, communication styles and cognitive levels, with key points of contact so young people and families know who to turn to at each stage.
Education and resources for CHI staff, community teams, schools, GPs and adult services so everyone involved feels confident and aligned in supporting transition.
Recognition that readiness is not the same as independence. Young people are supported to participate as fully as possible, with families or carers providing ongoing support where needed, including where they will continue to play a central role into adulthood.
Development of staff training and online resources to support consistent practice.
Ongoing review and evaluation to ensure transition supports remain effective, inclusive and responsive.

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Transition to Adult Services

Transition to Adult Services

Our Transition Principles describe how we approach this work across all CHI services.

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CHI Transition to Adult Services Principles

Partnered Planning at the Centre of Transition

Prepare Early and Prepare Well

Work in Partnership Across Services

Equity, Accessibility and Sustainable Transition Support for Every Young Person

Building Knowledge, Skills, Confidence and Readiness for Transition