Transition Process
Patients that have attended paediatric CF clinics will usually transfer to adult care somewhere between the ages of 16 to 18 years of age, depending upon when they and their paediatric team feel they are 'ready' to do so
At the West Midlands Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre we do all that we can to make the transition process as smooth a path as possible. In the first instance patients are seen in the Transition Clinic at their existing centre by both the paediatric and adult consultant, and offered an overview of the new centre and staff that will be looking after them. This appointment is followed up by an appointment in another Transition Clinic at the new centre, where the paediatric consultant and nurse come along with the patient to meet members of the adult team and have a look around the centre.
Patients are also offered the opportunity to view a Transition DVD that has been made to ease the process. Patients can watch this in the comfort of their own home and become a little more familiar with the faces and facilities that they will come into contact with when they attend their new centre.
When patients attend for their first appointment at West Midlands Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre they are given a list of 'contacts' with appropriate direct telephone numbers for key members of the team, should they have any questions relating to their care.
We are constantly striving to develop and improve our existing systems and service, and welcome any feedback that anyone has to offer. Therefore, if anyone has any suggestions about how this particular aspect of the service can be improved please contact Elaine Chapman, Centre Manager, who will be only to happy to listen and take appropriate action.
elaine.chapman@heartofengland.nhs.uk
