Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help support young people with arthritis to transition from child to adult health services.

To support young people with arthritis transitioning from child to adult health services, each integrated care board (ICB) has an Executive Lead for Children and Young People. This lead is responsible for ensuring the functions of their ICBs work in the best interests of children and young people, including those with arthritis.

As set out in the Long Term Plan, NHS England is working to ensure that no child or young person will be lost in the gaps between children’s and adults’ services. In addition, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence has produced guidance for healthcare practitioners and commissioners to support young people with cerebral palsy during their transition from children to adult’s services. Specific recommendations include clear pathways for transition and a named support worker.