Media release from Waikato District Health Board

Making the transition from child to adult health services is a process that involves and affects many young people in the Waikato.

A successful transition of young people to adult health services optimises both their health and their ability to adapt to adult roles, says Waikato District Health Board Child and Youth Health nurse coordinator Andrea Mockford.

This is why she is heading a new project that focuses on supporting youth with long-term health conditions and disabilities to make a smooth transition to adult health services.

Ms Mockford has set up a survey on the homepage of Waikato DHB's website where she would like interested young people to go to answer some questions and provide comment about the transition process.  

"There is also a survey for parents, caregivers and health care professionals," she said.

"But the people we are really after to take part in the survey and have their say, are the youth service users themselves."

The youth transition approach starts early and is aimed towards the 12-19-year age group in child health services. It is about helping them take a more leading and active role in their transition care plan.

"This could mean a raft of different things, like a clinician sending the young patient their own clinic appointments, as well as sending them to their parent or caregiver - it's all important stuff.


"Young people should be involved in all aspects of their planning and care and be supported by interested staff that have a good awareness of the young person's needs."

The full copy of the draft consultation document 'Youth transition standards of care' is also on the Waikato DHB website for any youth, parents or caregivers and other interested parties to read.

"What we hope is that the feedback will help the project group finalise the document that will guide staff supporting young people transitioning and may help identify some of the resources needed to assist our youth transition process," said Ms Mockford.

She said the policy will cover all Health Waikato services including the rural hospitals in Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Tokoroa and Thames - but not its mental health service.

"The project is especially important for those young people who have chronic health care problems and remain in the system over many years."

The survey will be online at www.waikatodhb.govt.nz from May 3-24.