We work together with the NHS to improve the health of people in Devon and make sure everyone across the county has equal access to health services.
The way that different providers work together to offer services in Devon can seem complex, but it shouldn’t be complicated for you or your family.
Health professionals who work with you can advise you where to get the help you need, when you need it.
You can also visit the NHS website for reliable health information and guidance on all aspects of health and healthcare.
Transitioning to adult health services
When you move (transition) to adult health services, you may find the services are different.
If you have long-term healthcare needs, healthcare professionals will start thinking about your transition to adult services from the age of 14.
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. This should join up with the discussions other services may also have about transition, for example, as part of your continued education, health and care (EHC) plan.
This useful video from the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust explains more about moving into adult health services.
Below are some useful links which offer information and guidance about the transition to adult services.
- The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E) – transition to adult care
- Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
- There are lots of things you can do to manage your health and wellbeing yourself. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust provide some useful information on healthy lifestyles.
For more information about transition, you should speak to the healthcare professionals already involved in your care.
Mental Health Support
If you have been getting mental health support from CAHMS (Children’s Mental Health Service) this will usually end when you turn 18.
After this 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.
How will my care change?
Active transition planning should start when you are 17.5 years old, agreed upon by CAMHS and the relevant adult team.The transitions coordinator from CAMHS will support you before you turn 18 to ensure you receive the correct support from adult services.
Referrals to adult mental health services
If you need ongoing support for mental health needs, learning disabilities, eating disorders, or personality disorders, a CAMHS care coordinator will begin discussions with the relevant adult team at 17, and make referrals as needed. Referrals will include information on current medication, relevant health assessments, education, health, and care plans, risk assessments, and key contacts.
Once referred and accepted, you will be allocated a lead healthcare professional from adult services to facilitate the transition. Young people supported by the CAMHS Learning Disability Team will typically be referred to the appropriate learning disability service.
Referrals to other services
If you’re being supported by CAMHS but do not meet the criteria for adult services, CAMHS may explore referrals to other organisations or agencies when you are 17.5 years old.
If you have had a first episode of psychosis requiring a Care Programme Approach (CPA) to support your recovery, CAMHS may arrange the handover of treatments to the adult early intervention service. Preparation for transitioning from a CAMHS ward to an adult ward should begin as early as possible in line with CPA policy, especially if you may need to transition when you turn 18.