Growing Up and Moving On

What is transition?

Transition is the planned, gradual process of moving from child-focused healthcare to adult services for young people with long-term health conditions like bleeding disorders.

This is an important step in supporting young people to gain confidence, build independence, and learn how to manage their condition as they grow older. Successful transition involves close communication and planning between the young person, their parents or carers, and the healthcare teams in both paediatric and adult services.

Below are the key stages of the transition journey for young people and their families:

Page contents

On this page you will find information about:

What is transition?
Preparation (Ages 8–12)
Transitional Care (Age 12+)
Early Transition (Age 12+)
Active Transition (Age 14+)
Late Transition (Age 15+)
Transfer to Adult Services (Age 16+)
Helpful Resources

Preparation (Ages 8–12)

During this early phase, children may begin to take on more responsibility for managing their condition.

The healthcare team will support families by teaching basic skills, sharing information, and offering guidance.
Both parents/carers and children are supported during this stage.

Transitional Care (Age 12+)

The young person and their parents/carers are introduced to the idea of transition.

The aim is to gradually support increased independence.
The healthcare team will work with the family to encourage development of self-management skills.

Early Transition (Age 12+)

During this phase:

The young person and their parents/carers are given more detailed information about the transition process.
The goal is to prepare them for the changes ahead.

Active Transition (Age 14+)

At this stage:

The focus is on increasing the young person’s understanding of their condition and of the transition process.
Clinic visits will include more in-depth discussions and support for developing self-management skills.
Health literacy (understanding health information and services) is a priority.

From this stage onward, the healthcare team will begin assessing the young person’s readiness for transition.

Individualised plans will be made in partnership with the young person and their family.
These plans will focus on any gaps in knowledge, self-care skills, or understanding of risk-taking behaviours.

Late Transition (Age 15+)

Paediatric and adult healthcare teams begin working more closely together.
When the young person is considered ready, a formal handover takes place, including between psychological services if needed.

Transfer to Adult Services (Age 16+)

The aim is for the young person and their parent/carer to feel confident and supported in transferring care to adult services.
Once ready, and in agreement with the family, the young person will be discussed at a cross-site transfer of care meeting.
They will then be referred to the Young Adult Clinic at St. James’s Hospital.

Helpful Resources

Visit www.steppingup.ie
This is a free online resource to support transition to adult healthcare. It includes:

Videos and real stories from young adults who have gone through the process
Practical tips and guidance
Information presented in three key stages:
1. Thinking
2. Planning
3. Making

Scan the QR code for the guide to moving from paediatric to adult healthcare.