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 Sunderland Action For Health website provides useful information for people with learning disabilities, their carers and health professionals.