Planning the transition from paediatric to adult services

Transition works best as a planned process, not a single transfer letter at the age cut-off.

Key points to discuss:
- Start early and list every paediatric service, prescription, piece of equipment and monitoring plan.
- Identify the adult clinician who will coordinate care and clarify referral criteria and waiting times.
- Prepare an updated medical summary, emergency plan, communication passport and decision-making information.
- Review education/day services, respite, transport, benefits, equipment funding and carer support under local rules.
- Arrange overlap or joint appointments where possible and confirm who is responsible during the handover.
- Check that pharmacy, feeding supplies and equipment servicing continue without interruption.

Sources:
- Consensus care guidelines: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7488790/
- IRSF managing Rett care: https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett ... rett-care/

Important: This post provides general information, not individual medical advice. Care and treatment must be personalised by qualified healthcare professionals. If you are worried that someone is seriously unwell, use your local urgent or emergency service.