Page 66 - SEN115 - November/December 2021

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the process at around 16 years old so that they have fully transitioned by 18-19 years old. It is also advisory that young people meet their new doctors and have tours of hospitals before moving over. Transition readiness must also be taken into account; the process should only happen when a young person is ready and assessments for this have taken place. Professionals involved in the process should consider the young person’s overall wellbeing and work with a range of services to achieve a joined–up journey for the young person and their family.
Despite the will of hard-working doctors,nurses and other healthcare professionals, the reality is that there are distinct gaps in the healthcare system which make the process for many people unpleasant at best and extremely challenging at worst.
“Transition - I can’t put into words what I feel – I find it extremely upsetting to go there in my mind – it’s too upsetting. Come next year I know it’s all going to change so I don’t know” - Quote from a parent about the transition experience.
These gaps are caused by a range of problems, including a lack of expertise with particular complex conditions such as SB/H, inappropriate communication techniques which do not suit the age, cognitive ability, maturity or mental wellbeing of the young person and an overall lack of understanding of the whole transition process. Often, if a young person is to fall through these gaps, they disengage with healthcare and see their health deteriorating. Trust can be lost at this stage and is very difficult to recover. Some people may even go the rest of their lives never engaging with the healthcare system unless in the case of an emergency.
More needs to be done to achieve a process that young people deserve; a process that considers all the facets of wellness, from their mental health to their financial wellbeing. SBH Scotland received funding from The Burdett Trust for Nursing to develop their very own transition project to try and help improve the
“More needs to be done to achieve a process that young people deserve”
process. The organisation opted to develop interactive learning tools about transition which provide a practical step forward for people not knowing where to start. SBH Scotland’s transition project aims to give a voice to service users who then helped us co-produce tools to aid young people, families and carers through the transition process. The organisation has created a boardgame aimed at young people and families to learn more about the transition process prior to starting their journey. In addition, an online course has been produced for healthcare professionals which encourages them to work closely with other sectors, consider the rights and wellbeing of young people and to work within the relevant policy guidance and legislation to achieve successful transition support. SBH Scotland has also created digital stories where our service users tell of their experiences with transition.
SBH Scotland also works closely with educational professionals offering support in the transition of young people moving through the education system or much earlier in their early learning and childcare setting offering support, information or guidance on how to support children and young people “to be the best they can be” and to offer professionals helpful tips and tricks to support children’s learning and development.
You can find out more about SBH Scotland’s transition project or download the transition boardgame here: sbhscotland.org.uk/transitions
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