Transition to adult epilepsy health services
A paediatrician will usually be responsible for medical care up to the age of 16.
After this, your child will move to adult health services.
- The process of transitioning may start earlier than 16 years to ensure a smooth transition over an extended period and should be completed by the age of 18.
- You may be referred to your general practitioner or an adult neurologist for future adult healthcare. Please discuss this process with your treating doctor.
There are two different agencies in NSW that have been created to help adolescents transition from paediatric to adult healthcare.
Managing the transition
The information below will help you understand your medical condition and how to manage it before you are transferred from the children's healthcare system to the adult setting. This process is carried out over a number of years.
Understanding your own diagnosis
- Complete the personal epilepsy profile with your treating doctor to help you understand your epilepsy diagnosis.
- Ensure you have a first aid seizure management plan completed by your treating doctor.
- Know the names and doses of your current medications.
Understanding how the adult healthcare system works
- Have a local GP you feel comfortable with.
- Know the names and contact details for the clinicians you will transition to in the adult health service.
- Have your own Medicare card, Health Care card, and know your private health insurance details.
- Ask your paediatric doctor to assist with the transfer of your medical information to the adult treating clinician.
Transition agencies
There are two different agencies in NSW that have been created to help adolescents transition from paediatric to adult healthcare.
Trapeze is the specialist transition service for young people with chronic medical conditions who are known to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network.
- They can assist you by finding a GP and arranging a GP Management Plan, providing health coaching and face-to-face support, and linking you to relevant support groups.
- They can also provide telephone, email, and SMS reminders of your upcoming health-related appointments.
The Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) provides three Transition Care Coordinators across NSW who are based in adult hospitals and provide a state-wide service.
- They can provide you with information and support (for at least 12 months) once you transfer from a paediatric to an adult healthcare setting.
- They can help you find appropriate health services, provide support to help you attend your clinic appointments, and help you to stay in touch with adult health services.
- Read the quick transition guide for the adult neurologist.