Transition Day

The first Transition Information Day was held on 5th July at the Evelina, as part of the development of a programme of support for young adults as they approach the time to transfer to the Adult Congenital Heart Disease service at St. Thomas’ Hospital. ETC/ECHO has been part of the Transition Working Group set up to take this initiative forward, and took an active role in setting up the day itself. Fourteen young people aged between 12 and 18 were there, along with their parents, to attend workshops presented by Specialist nurses, Cardiologists and a Psychologist. The teenagers and parents were divided into 2 separate groups and listened to talks about when and how the transfer to the Adult service would take place, and how it would affect them personally and other relevant issues. Dr. Owen Miller gave a very informative talk on the new Guidelines on Antibiotic use to prevent Endocarditis, and was able to answer questions about the implications of ear and body piercings and tattoos for CHD patients. Over lunch the young people had the chance to get to know each other, and parents had the opportunity to compare notes on living with their teenagers!!!

As this was the first of what is hoped will be a regular programme of Transition Days, the organisers took the chance to ask the young people and their parents about what information they felt would make the process easier and less daunting for them, what their worries and concerns were and what shape future days should take. Lots of extremely useful feedback was received which will enable the Transition Working Group to tailor future events in a really effective way.
The next Transition Day will take place on 24th January 2009 - if you would like further information or would like to be included, please contact Jo Wilson on jowilson@echo-evelina.org.uk.

Please click here to view pictures from the event.

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