A paediatric to adult transition clinic, for renal patients aged 16 and over has been developed at the Ulster Hospital Renal Unit, creating a seamless pathway from children’s to adult nephrology care.
The Regional Children’s Nephrology Service is based at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, where children are treated until they turn 16. They then transfer to the adult nephrology service within their local Trust for ongoing care and treatment.
The new Young Adult Renal Clinic at the Ulster Hospital bridges that gap, ensuring young patients move smoothly between services with continued support from a familiar team.
Renal patient, Kacper Kwiecien, who has just turned 17 has benefited from the new clinic. Kacper described his experience, “The Royal Hospital was very good. I spent most of my time there and everyone was so nice. During my last visit, the Doctors and Nurses from the Ulster Hospital Renal Unit came to meet me, which really helped me recognise who they were.
“I thought moving to adult care might be stressful, but the staff have been very welcoming and supportive.”
Kacper’s Mum, Agata, added, “The Ulster Hospital team has been fantastic. They look after Kacper so well and keep a close eye on his treatment. He will be starting a new course of medication soon and we are really hopeful it will make a big difference.”
Consultant Nephrologist at the South Eastern Trust, Dr Eadaoin Hannon said the new service has been made possible through close collaboration with the Paediatric Team in the Royal Belfast Hospital, “There is an excellent partnership between the Ulster Hospital Renal Unit and the Paediatric Service in the Royal Hospital. The team there has been instrumental in helping us set up this service. Transition can be a stressful time for young people and their families, so we have been meeting patients in the Royal Hospital alongside their Paediatric Nephrologists to make the change as comfortable as possible.
“Transition is not a single handover, it is a process. We want everyone involved, including families and clinicians, to feel confident and supported throughout.”
Consultant Nephrologist, Dr Jennifer O’Brien, stated, “A dedicated Young Adult Renal Clinic for young adults offers patients the extra time and support they need during this important stage. We encourage families, friends or anyone close to the patient to be part of this transition journey.
“From a clinical point of view, we hope the dedicated clinic will lead to better engagement, understanding and outcomes. We also take a holistic approach, supporting patients with their wider life goals such as education, work and travel.
“Another advantage of the clinic is that patients will be surrounded by others their own age who are going through similar experiences, creating valuable peer support.”
