https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/your-hospital-visit/real-stories/getting-ready-move-adult-services-alice-19/
Getting ready to move to adult services by Alice, 19
"Hi, my name's Alice, I'm 16 and I've been coming to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) since I was two.
"Since I've been at GOSH, I’ve had a few operations but now I just visit every six months for regular check-ups. I have a really good relationship with my doctor.
"He's really friendly and I enjoy speaking to him because I feel like I can tell him anything."
Talking to your doctor
"I’ve started to think about moving to adult services because I know it won't be long before I have to move. I’ve talked about it briefly with my doctor, and started to ask him how long it will take and what it involves. He’s told me it will take a couple of years, and I should be moving when I’m 18.
"I'm a bit nervous about moving to a different hospital because I'm worried I won't get the same treatment as I do here. When I leave, I'm going be really sad – I’ll miss all the staff because they've treated us so well over the years. I feel like the relationship between myself and the staff at the adult hospital will be more formal. I don't think they'll be as friendly as they are at GOSH. I’m going to ask my doctor if I’ll have the chance to meet staff at the new hospital first.
"I've had some treatment at my local hospital and I’ll be happy if I move there. The staff were really reassuring and said I could ask any questions I had. Going to a local hospital will be a lot easier for me too, as I won't have to travel to London to meet my doctor."
Part of growing up
"My parents are currently organising my appointments and calling the doctors if we need to reschedule. I know when I go to adult hospital, I'll have to do all this for myself. I won't be able to rely on my parents any more, and I feel a little bit scared about balancing my appointments with my schoolwork. This makes me feel like I'm really growing up.
"I also know I need to know about my medical history and the medicines I'm taking now. This will make it easier both for me and my new doctors."
Extra support
"I haven't spoken to anyone who's been through the process so I don't know what it's like and I don't know how they feel about it. I've only spoken to professionals so far.
"I'm aware now that there are clinics available at GOSH where I can speak to the nurses and doctors about transition. This makes me feel a lot more confident - I feel like if I can talk to them then it won't be as stressful.
"I think I'm halfway there, I'm not completely ready to move yet. But the more questions I ask and the more I find out about it, the more ready I'll feel."