Moving on from children’s healthcare services with Down’s syndrome/trisomy 21
Moving on from children’s healthcare services with Down’s syndrome/trisomy 21
Down’s syndrome/trisomy 21
When you become a teenager the medical staff will start talking about the move to adult services.
From the age of 14 you can also book into an annual health check with your GP. This check will be a good way for you to get to know the GP. At the age of 18 the GP will be organising most of the adult care.
Downs varies, so the GP may be referring you to many different adult services for instance cardiac, respiratory, orthopaedic, spinal, endocrine or epilepsy teams.
A health passport will help all medical staff know how to support you best, so writing one before the move to adult services is important.
Key things to remember
You are entitled to annual health checks at your GP surgery from the age of 14.
For any specialist services you are using for instance cardiology, ask what happens when you become 18. Some health conditions will sometimes need life long care. Anything else will be looked at by the GP if there is a problem.
You need to look after your teeth and see a dentist every 6 months.
You need to get a hearing and eyesight test every 2 years.
Learning Disability Service is there to help you with any problems or worries.
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
Global medical care guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome checklist
This is a checklist which is intended to support the health of adults with Down syndrome directly or through their caregivers. We encourage that the checklist is to be shared with your medical professionals.
Patients moving to a neighbouring hospital for their adult care may find the transition process is different. Please discuss this with those currently providing your care.
