Transition Nurses work in Sunderland and offer health needs assessments and support to young people with a learning disability and complex healthcare needs to make the transition from child to adult acute health services.
We have a key role in liaising with other health professionals and agencies to ensure that the healthcare received by the young person throughout the transition process is co-ordinated and uninterrupted.
What do we mean by "transition"?
Transition refers to the ages 14 to 25 years, at which time young people with disabilities (learning and/or physical) will have moved seamlessly into adult life with all relevant arrangements in place.
What we might do:
The transition process begins with the Year 9 review at school; we will usually attend and assess the young person.
After assessment we will decide how we can help the young person and their families/carers through completion of a Health Action Plan, if the young person wants one, and (if appropriate) development of a Health Transition Plan as part of their broader Education Health and Care plan.
Support we might give:
- Screening
- Assessment, the level of assessment will depend on complexity of need
- Signposting and/or referral to appropriate agencies
- Co-ordination
- Monitoring and tracking
- Consultation/advisory role
- Support/guidance
- Information giving
- Task centred work with individuals
- Build up a therapeutic relationship with young person and their family/carer
Working with others
Transition Nurses work collaboratively with a range of health professionals and other agencies in order to co-ordinate person centred healthcare as young people move from one service to another.
The can include:
- Schools
- Services for Disabled Children
- Adult Services
- Connexions
- City Hospitals Sunderland
- Acute Services Learning Disability Liaison Nurse
The website: www.sunderlandactionforhealth.co.uk/ provides useful information for people with learning disabilities, their carers and health professionals.