- How do I access the young adult service?
- What is involved in attending the group programme?
- What Happens after I leave hospital?
- What will happen if it is recommended that I come into hospital?
How do I access the young adult service?
Firstly, if you are not yet attending St Patrick’s University Hospital, your GP will need to refer you to the Young Adult Clinic, Dean Sandyford for an initial outpatient assessment by the multidisciplinary team. Appointments will be sent to you with details by post by the Young Adult Clinic Administrator and the usual wait time is 3 - 4 weeks. The administrator will contact you the day before the appointment to confirm that you still intend to attend for the assessment. A cancellation fee will apply to late cancellations or non-attendance. When you attend it is helpful to bring any relevant documentation or previous assessments you might have had. Your parents/partners are most welcome to attend and we will endeavour to see them as well with you if you wish. The assessment will take up to 2 hours and you will be provided with conclusions and recommendations at the end of the assessment. Your GP will be sent a report within a few days summarising the assessment and recommendations. Please ask the staff if you wish to have a copy sent to you as well. Follow-up and treatment can be provided by the team either at the clinic or other programmes available through the services at St. Patrick's University Hospital
What is involved in attending the group programme?
If you are being referred to attend the Young Adult Program YAP (Programme) your doctor or keyworker will make the initial referral and you will be contacted by the YAP Coordinator. You will then be introduced to the programme and an individually tailored programme will be planned with you. Many service users attend other programmes alongside the Young Adult Programme specific to their presenting problems. Usually attendance is on an inpatient basis initially and is often followed up with day patient attendance to finish the treatment plan.
What Happens after I leave hospital?
Upon discharge the YAP staff will work in conjunction with you and your MDT in assisting you to make the transition and helping you to link with other services that may assist with your recovery e.g. student support services etc.
You will leave hospital with a discharge plan that is arranged with your consultant with recommendations from YAP, occupational therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy etc.
Attendees are encouraged to engage in mainstream education, work or training after they have finished the programme and follow-up support is provided for a short while afterwards.
What will happen if it is recommended that I come into hospital?
If you require urgent admission then your GP should refer you to Assessment & Admissions at St. Patrick's University Hospital. Once you are in hospital then you can be referred to the Young Adult Group Programme (YAP) at any stage during your inpatient stay or follow-up. You will be seen on admission by one of the registrars who will do an initial assessment that will include medical examination etc. The admitting nursing staff will then show you the hospital facilities and help you with settling into the hospital. Your treating team will meet you the next weekday after you come into hospital and work out with you the best way to help with the difficulties you are experiencing. You may be encouraged to attend the YAP Group Programme while in hospital.