Child patients who are preparing to be looked after adults at a Norfolk hospital can find out more about how this transition happens at two information evenings.
The events aim to help with the process for those receiving care at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
The first one on 12 September from 6pm – 8pm in the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre at NNUH will focus on young people with diabetes.
Diabetes UK will be attending to talk about their youth project and there will also be a talk from a young patient about their experiences. Members of the adult diabetes team will be available to chat, and there will also be presentations from two of the youth workers from the department.
The second event on 26 September from 6pm – 8pm is for all young people making the change from Children’s to Adult Services. Information will be given as well as general adolescent health and wellbeing support including talks on sleep health and mental health.
There will also be information about the Norfolk and Norwich Youth Forum, a new group set up to help improve patient experience for young patients. Health professionals will be available to offer one-to-one info, and there will also be tours of the adults-only patients areas.
Kat Kitchener, Lead Transition Nurse, said: “These evenings are an opportunity to make sure we can give age-appropriate information to young people so that they are empowered to manage their long-term health conditions as they become young adults. It’s important we fill in any gaps in patients’ knowledge and skills so they can manage their conditions safely in the future.”
She added: “We’re excited to recruit members of our new Norfolk and Norwich Youth Forum so that we can give patients the chance to take part in improvement projects, co-produce patient information and offer peer support. The new forum will give us an opportunity to listen to valuable feedback from young patients.”
The events are taking place in the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre, East Atrium, Level 1. Parking will be free for attendees.
