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child to adult transition

Posted By runningft43

"child to adult transition"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Accident & Emergency Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Acute Receiving Unit (Units 1-5) Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Gastroenterology (Stomach and gut problems) Wards 8b, 8c &8d

(as a parent/guardian),

My son, who has complex health needs, has been under the care of the Children's Hospital. With his transition to adult care, we expected a smooth process—but it was a nightmare. He became unwell and went to A&E, where we waited two hours before getting a private room due to his projectile vomiting. My husband waited 10 hours for a room upstairs. We were first admitted to ARC, then transferred to Ward 8D—where things got worse.

He had no proper feeding plan. He was without Dioralyte, milk feed, or IV fluids for days. He pulled out his IV in distress, and after several hours, it was reinserted. I repeatedly explained his long-established routine from the children's hospital: IV fluids first, then Dioralyte, then milk feeds via PEG. Still, nothing was done until I intervened.

The gastro doctor later apologised, admitting the transition should have been smoother. Even when the feed plan was agreed, it took hours to locate a feeding pump. Staff were unprepared and even suggested we bring our own equipment—an insensitive response. My son lost weight and was eventually started on IV vitamins. No one contacted his former team, which should have been basic common sense

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Responses

Response from Karen Hughes, Senior Charge Nurse, Emergency Department and Minor Injuries Units, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and New Victoria Hospital), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 3 weeks ago
We are preparing to make a change
Karen Hughes
Senior Charge Nurse, Emergency Department and Minor Injuries Units, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and New Victoria Hospital),
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Senior charge nurse & emergency nurse practitioner within the ED & Miu of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Submitted on 22/07/2025 at 09:51
Published on Care Opinion at 10:36

picture of Karen Hughes

Dear Runningft43,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I’m truly sorry to hear about the difficulties your son and family faced during his recent transition to adult care. Moving from paediatric to adult services should be a well-coordinated and supportive process, and I’m very sorry that this was not your experience.

The long wait in A&E and the distress caused by your son’s condition—alongside the extended wait for a hospital bed—must have been incredibly difficult for your whole family. This is not the standard of care we aim to provide, particularly for patients with complex health needs who require careful and compassionate support.

I would like to assure you that your concerns are being taken seriously. We are currently reviewing what happened during your son’s visit, including the handover process and the delays in both our emergency department and ward admission. If you are willing, we would very much appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly so we can better understand what happened and how we can improve.

If you would like to contact me at Karen.hughes10@nhs.scot as careopinion doesn't share personal details and I can look into this further.

Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. We remain committed to providing safe, timely, and patient-centred care—and learning from experiences like yours is a vital part of that process.

with very kind regards,

Karen

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