Health services are responsible for delivering the healthcare provision specified in your education, health and care (EHC) plan, including any therapeutic services, such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or mental health services.
Health services are involved in transition planning for young people with EHC plans. They’ll be involved in your EHC plan’s annual reviews as you move towards adulthood, to make sure there’s a clear plan for how your healthcare needs will be met by adult health services.
It’s also important to begin learning how to look after your own physical and mental health as you grow up. We want you to become as independent as possible, and that includes managing your own health and care needs where you can. Our health support for young people with SEND guide and the Health for Teens website both contain advice that may help you.
Health professionals will give you and your school information about your health and what you need to be well. They will also help you with your EHC plan if you have one.
- If you have a nurse working with you, they will help you with your needs.
- If you have complex health needs, they will make sure you get the right help when you become an adult.
- If you have a learning disability, you can get a free health check with your GP every year from age 14.
It is important for individuals to begin learning how to look after their own physical and mental health needs during primary or secondary education. Our health support for young people with SEND guide and the Health for Teens website both contain advice that may help you.
When you turn 16, you can make many decisions about your health care and treatment, including those related to sexual health and family planning. Don’t worry though, your parents will still be able to attend medical appointments, and make important with you if you want.
If you’re currently being supported by any children’s health services, preparations for moving to adult health services should start soon (or already be underway).
Your current healthcare teams, for example, your paediatrician, will start to talk to you what will happen once you turn 18. Discussions will cover what will stay the same and what will be different. You will have the chance to talk about any worries and concerns about your healthcare.
If you have been receiving support from children’s healthcare services, this will usually stop once you reach 18. Your healthcare providers will start to talk to you what will happen then.
Discussions will cover what will stay the same and what will be different. You will have the chance to talk about you, as well as your worries and concerns about your healthcare.
You may find our transitions with health services page useful.
We’ve also put together some general advice on health support for young adults.
If you have significant or complex health needs, you will be invited to the Pathways Transition Clinic. Here, a handover will be done between your paediatrician and the adult consultant physician. This clinic will review your care at least annually, depending on your needs.
If you have been receiving support from children’s healthcare services, this will usually stop once you reach 18. At this point you should have been transferred to any relevant adult health services to meet your future healthcare care needs.
For mental health needs, you may have a short period of continued support from CAMHS, or your care will be transferred to your GP, who can refer you to further support if needed. If your needs are higher, CAMHS will discuss a referral to adult mental health services with you.
You may find our transitions with health services and health support for young adults pages useful.