Teenage healthcare: ‘Young Person’s Check-In’

For young people aged 12 or older, who are starting to take more responsibility for their healthcare.

If you're seen at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and you're in school Year 7 or above, this ‘Check-In’ is for you.

Please try and complete the ‘Check-In’ by yourself if you can. It’s not a test, and it’s okay if you don’t know all the answers.

If you need help you can ask your nurse or doctor, or parent or carer. However, the goal is to help you start thinking about your own knowledge and confidence.

Please fill the ‘Check-In’ in whist you’re waiting for your appointment. This way, you’ll be prepared with questions that matter to you when you see your healthcare team. You can also take it home if you want more time to think things through.

No! The ‘Check-In’ is designed to help you and your team see what you already know, and what you might need some help with.

No- you don’t have to fill it in if you don’t want to, or if you don’t feel ready.

You might have new questions, different worries, or feel more confident at each appointment. Growing up takes time, and the ‘Check-In’ is to help you get ready step by step.

Yes, you can be seen on your own by:

• Ticking the box on your ‘Check-In’ form that you’d like to be seen on your own.
• Telling a nurse or healthcare assistant in the waiting area.
• Asking your doctor or nurse directly at any point in the appointment.

Everyone aged 12 or over has the right to speak to their healthcare team without a parent or carer in the room.

You can also ask for a chaperone- that means another staff member to be there with you.

Your team will only share information with your parent or carer if:

• You say it’s ok

They’re worried about your safety.

You can:

• Message your team on MyGOSH. If you’re aged 13 or older, you might be able to get your own account by asking your healthcare team. If you’re not 13 yet, you can ask your parent or carer can send a message to the team on your behalf.
• Write your question down so you don’t forget it for next time.
• Ask a parent or carer to help you remember.

You can find out more about MyGOSH here: Find out more about MyGOSH

Your doctor or nurse may go thorugh your ‘Check-In’ with you or add it to your hospital notes. This can vary between teams ,so it’s important to bring your ‘Check-In’ into your appointments and use it to make sure you cover the things that matter most to you.

Either way your answers can help you remember key points, ask your quesitons and speak up of yourself.

As you start taking more ownership of your care, your parents or carers are also learning how to step back in a helpful way. Their ‘Check-In’ helps your healthcare team to understand what support they might need- and how everyone can work together to help you feel confident and ready.

We welcome your thoughts on how helpful the ‘Check-In’ was and how we can improve it. You can share your ideas with your healthcare team or email us on the email below.