INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

“Moving to adult services can be daunting for parents and carers as well"

transition for parents

If your child had a burn when they were young, in most paediatric burn services, parents are encouraged to get involved in their child’s rehabilitation, for example, in dressing changes, creaming and massage or physiotherapy. Much of the information, support and decision making about care and surgery is channelled through parents and carers.

As children grow into adolescents, they are encouraged to take more responsibility for their treatment and to participate in making decisions about their care. This process will continue as they progress to the adult burns services, where there will be a shift in focus towards the young person taking charge. Many parents continue to be involved in some way, although this will change gradually to a more supportive role. Decisions about rehabilitation and further surgery will be sought from the young person and not the parent.

Whilst it might feel like all the focus is on the young person making the transition between services, your Adult Burns care team will understand that this can be an emotional time for you and feel a little strange. As your child is now a ‘young adult’, the burns team will respect their confidentiality, so without their permission will not be able to discuss their care with you. We understand that this may feel different, but the burns team will do their best to support you through this transition.

You will notice a few other differences too. In paediatric settings, visiting hours on the wards tend to be unrestricted and there are often facilities for you to stay with your child if they are in hospital for a surgical procedure. In adult settings the visiting hours tend to be more restricted, maybe just a couple of hours in the afternoon and evening.

If you have any questions about the transition your child will make, look under ‘Your Local Service’ for the key person to contact.

Also, have a look at Transition to adult care – Ready, Steady, Go! This website is about transition from child to adult health service care in general and contains specific information for parents and a parent/carer’s transition planning tool.