Transition to young people's services - South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Transition service at James Cook

The children’s diabetes team at The James Cook University Hospital start to prepare you for transition to the young person’s diabetes services when you commence secondary school.

The process begins with the invitation to attend school clinics with your paediatric diabetes nurse two to three times a year.

You will be offered a 20 minute appointment, without your parents, within school.

This is beneficial as it allows you to develop the confidence and knowledge of managing your diabetes independently.

The appointment can be used for structured education, to review your blood glucose levels, to gain advice on insulin adjustment or simply to ask any questions you may have.

Transition to young person’s services (YPS) begins at year 10 (academic year) where throughout that year, a member of the YPS will strive to attend your MDT clinic appointments giving you and your family the opportunity to get to know your new team.

At the end of year 10 you and your family are invited to a transition event and are given information on the plan for your transition providing you the opportunity to meet all of the members of the YPS and to ask any questions.

In the autumn; as you enter year 11 the clinic timings change and you will be offered an evening clinic appointment; which is held in the adult diabetes care department.

There is a designated waiting area for young people with appropriate literature, magazines, free WiFi access and a computer and games console and free soft drinks are available.

The young person’s team consists of a number of consultants with a special interest in transition, three nurses who have a special interest in supporting young adults with diabetes, a dietitian, a psychologist and also access to podiatry if required.

Christine McPartland one of your paediatric diabetes nurses also works one day a week in the YPS and will continue to offer you and your family support until your 19th birthday.

Once transitioned the YPS offers a wide variety of support with a YP specialist diabetes nurse allocated daily offering telephone advice, home visits and college clinics.

There is a drop in service held Monday to Friday 11am to 1pm for young people and adults to access support in-between MDT appointments and evening clinics are also offered.

You will continue to be offered four MDT appointments per year and will be fully supported with your diabetes management whether it be MDI, insulin pumps, CGM or flash glucose technology.

Your paediatric team works closely with the YPS to ensure you feel fully supported and confident in the transition of your diabetes care.