Growing up gaining independence Information for young people

Patient Information Leaflet - for young people

• As you grow older, you learn new things.
• Your might start to do things on your own, without your parents/carers being there. - This is called becoming independent.
• Your health is one part of life where you might want to do things on your own.
• We want to help you learn things so you can do this.

• We think it is good to have some time with your doctor without your parents in the room with you.
• You can have someone else with you instead to make sure you are ok.

• When you are 16, the law lets you make choices.
• We will help work out if you can make decisions on your own.
• We call this 'having capacity'.

• Another thing is that the hospital should send letters to you instead of your parents. - Let us know if you still want your parents/carer to get a copy of the hospital letters.
• You can also decide who sees the information hospitals keep about you.
• You can carry on letting your parents/carers see it, or you can ask us not to share the information.

• We will help you and your parents to learn new things so you do more things on your own. This might be:

  • How to ask questions about things that matter to you.
  • How to be in charge of your medicines.
  • What to do and who to tell if you feel poorly.
  • How to get ready to see your doctor or nurse.

• Please ask if you have any questions.
• To contact someone from the team please send an email to: whh-tr.healthtransition@nhs.net