Children’s nurses asked to champion healthcare transition for young people

Children’s nurses are being asked to champion healthcare transition for young people for Mental Health Week.

The Association of British Paediatric Nurses (ABPN) is calling for action to get healthcare transition right for young people moving into adult services.

It has warned that when transition is rushed, delayed, or unsupported, young people can face increased risks of anxiety, disengagement from services and deterioration in mental wellbeing.

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Transition is the process of moving a child or family-centred model of care to an adult model where a young person manages their own healthcare.

The association hopes children’s nurses will lead the change by advocating for young people’s voices to be heard and ensure no young person ‘feels lost in transition’.

The call comes as part of Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from May 11 to May 17. UK charity, the Mental Health Foundation, has set the theme of this year as ‘action’.

The ABPN said transition should be a gradual and planned process that beginning early, stating that young people have described the emotional impact of transition failures, reporting increased anxiety, fear and a sense of abandonment.

It is hoped that changes can be made including creating environments that are supportive and developmentally appropriate to help young people feel safe, valued and able to engage, as well as youth-friendly services, appropriate adjustments and professionals trained in adolescent-centred communication.

A new report published by NHS England, Supporting young people to transition into adolescent and adult services, outlines changes needed to improve transition, including having a named keyworker for a young person, such as a children’s nurse.

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Roald Dahl transition nurse specialist and Association of ABPN member Jessica Semedo said: ‘Transition to adult services is a pivotal moment in a young person’s life.

‘When it is poorly managed, the consequences for mental health and long-term engagement with services can be profound.

‘Children’s nurses are often the first people young people meet, in emergency departments, during admissions or at routine clinic appointments.

‘In everyday moments, through listening, consistency and compassion, we begin conversations that may not feel significant at the time.

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‘Even when answers do not come straight away, a seed is planted. Trust is built over time. At the next interaction, that trust can make all the difference.

‘Children’s nurses hold more influence than they often realise. Every interaction matters, and through these moments we have the power to shape experiences, build confidence and change lives.’