Navigating the Transition from Children’s to Adult Hospitals - Perth.
Moving from a paediatric hospital to an adult hospital is a significant milestone for many young people with chronic illnesses or additional needs. It’s a journey that comes with mixed emotions—hope for greater independence, yet concern over leaving a familiar environment. For families in Perth, this transition is a deeply personal experience, shaped by the local healthcare system and the specific needs of the child.
What Changes When You Move to an Adult Hospital?
One of the biggest differences is the shift in how care is structured. Children’s hospitals like Perth Children’s Hospital are designed around the unique medical, emotional, and developmental needs of children and adolescents. Adult hospitals, on the other hand, operate with a broader scope, treating patients with a wide range of conditions from young adults to seniors. This change can feel overwhelming for patients who have grown used to a specialised pediatric team.
Some of the major changes include:
- Different Care Models: Pediatric hospitals focus on family-centered care, where parents and caregivers are integral to the decision-making process. Adult hospitals emphasise patient autonomy, expecting the individual to take a more active role in their healthcare decisions.
- New Specialists: A child who has spent years seeing pediatric specialists will now need to develop relationships with adult care specialists. The medical focus may also shift towards managing long-term symptoms and maintaining quality of life.
- Increased Responsibility: Young adults with chronic conditions will need to manage their own medications, appointments, and therapies where possible. Otherwise a support person, team or parents/caregivers can be supported for this. This can be particularly challenging for individuals with additional needs who require support in everyday tasks.
The Transition Process
In Perth, the transition from children’s to adult hospitals typically begins in the mid to late teenage years. Transition planning is key, and it often starts with the healthcare team at Perth Children’s Hospital initiating discussions early. Many Perth families can benefit from programs like the *Transition Care Program*, designed to ease the shift by gradually introducing young patients to their new adult care team.
What Can Families Do to Prepare?
- Start Early: Ideally, the transition should start a couple of years before the actual transfer. Having conversations with the child about the change where possible is crucial.
- Meet the New Team: Arranging meetings with the adult care team before the transition can help alleviate anxiety and ensure continuity of care. This includes getting to know new doctors, therapists, and even nurses who will be involved in ongoing treatment.
- Develop Life Skills: Teaching and encouraging the child or young adult skills like managing their medications, scheduling appointments, and communicating directly with healthcare providers is encouraged wherever possible, especially for those with additional needs who may require tailored support.
The Role of Parents and Support Networks
Parents often find this transition challenging, particularly when the young person has additional needs. The hands-on, family-oriented approach in a children's hospital might feel absent in adult hospitals. However, maintaining open lines of communication between parents, young patients, and the adult healthcare team is vital. Parents should advocate for their child’s specific needs during this period.
Perth-based organisations, such as Carers WA, provide essential resources and workshops for families going through this transition. Kalkoup Clinics also offer in home, community support wherever possible to guide through this process. These resources help parents and caregivers understand their changing role while still ensuring their child’s needs are met.
Additional Support for Young People with Complex Needs
For children with complex care needs, organizations like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be vital in ensuring ongoing support as they enter adulthood. Working with NDIS planners or support coordinators can ensure that essential services like physiotherapy, speech therapy, or home care services continue seamlessly.
The transition from a children’s hospital to an adult hospital can be daunting for chronically ill young people and their families. By preparing early, building a strong support network, and focusing on both medical and life skills, families in Perth can navigate this change successfully. The healthcare system in Perth, though different in the adult sector, still offers many pathways and support services to ensure young people continue receiving the care they need as they move into the next phase of their lives.
We share this blog post in support of both practical advice and emotional support for families making this significant transition. The move might be filled with uncertainty, but with the right preparation and local resources, it can also be a time for growth and empowerment.
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