Young adults

The Hospice recognises the growing need for palliative care services specifically for young people and their families, as part of the transition from child to adult palliative care. This is an important aspect of the national policy on palliative care.

With developments in care, many young people are living longer with conditions that were once limited to childhood. The population of young people with life-limiting and life-shortening conditions is increasing.

The transition between services for children and adults can be challenging as young people leave a familiar care setting. We have been working to understand the needs of these young people to provide the most appropriate care at Glasgow's new hospice.

As our services for young people develop in the new hospice, we will ensure they have their own space to relax and enjoy the company of their friends and family.

"How we communicate with children and young people about their health is important," said Dr Laura Kelly, lead consultant in palliative medicine at The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice.

"Sometimes they want to talk about their situation, but they also want to live as much as they can in the moment. The relationship that young people have with their peers is so important to them, so in our new hospice, we have to look at how to support them to live life to the full."