Transitioning from children’s health services to adult health services is a critical phase in a young person’s healthcare journey.
As this week is International Adolescent Health Week (13 to 19 October 2025), University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) is sharing information about important tools for young people and their parents and carers.
Transition is a process which usually takes place between ages 14 to 19 and helps young people to move from child-focused to adult-focused healthcare. Many young people with complex needs now survive into adulthood, increasing the importance of transition planning.
Val Baxter, Transition Coordinator and Roald Dahl Specialist Nurse in the Integrated Children's Community Nursing and Therapy Team in the Medicine, Emergency Care and Children’s (MECCS) Division at UHMBT, is ensuring this process is as smooth, supported and person-centred as possible for young people and their parents and carers.
Val said: “One of the key tools that we use at UHMBT is the ‘Ready, Steady, Go’ transition programme. This toolkit helps young people with long-term health conditions prepare for adult care by encouraging conversations about their health, independence and future needs.”
The Ready, Steady, Go programme was co-produced with young people, parents and clinicians and is available in multiple formats, including digital, paper and easy-read versions.
This information is available to children from 14 years and over: Transition: moving into adult care - patient information. It helps young people identified with long-term health conditions to discuss matters with their parent and health professionals.
This information is available for parents and carers: Ready Steady Go: Parent plan
There is also an ‘easy read’ version here: Easy read - Ready Steady Go
These resources empower young people and their family members to take an active role in their care and prepare for the changes ahead. They also support clinicians by providing a structured framework for transition conversations.
UHMBT’s adult respiratory team, gastroenterology team and others are developing bespoke clinical pathways for young people.
Val said there are examples where early planning - for example, blood tests for young people with learning disabilities - can prevent future issues.
Val added: “We are keen to ensure that all young people who are transitioning from child to adult services at our Trust get the best possible support and advice.”
Young people, parents and carers can get further support by talking to their clinician or clinical team.