Congenital Heart Disease: Transition from Paediatric to Adult Care
Moving from a children’s hospital to an adult hospital is an important milestone for patients and families. While this change can feel exciting, it may also bring uncertainty. Parents and caregivers often play a key role in managing their child’s health, and the transition can feel overwhelming.
The SickKids Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
Transition Program helps adolescents and young adults take an active role and become independent in their health care as they prepare for adult services. Our goal is to make this transition smooth and successful.
Who we are
Our program was developed by health-care providers from SickKids Labatt Family Heart Centre and the Toronto General Hospital Adult CHD Program. The team includes social workers, cardiac nurses, and physicians with expertise in supporting adolescents and young adults during this transition.
Sandra Aiello
RN, SickKids
Navreet Gill
RN, SickKids
Denise Prebul
RSW, SickKids
Staff Physician, SickKids
Dee Mackintosh
RN, Toronto General Hospital
Director, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Toronto General Hospital
Physician, Toronto General Hospital
Our goal
We aim to empower adolescents and young adults as they move from child-focused to adult-focused care by addressing medical, emotional, educational, and vocational needs during this important stage.
What we do
- Provide personalized, nurse-led education sessions tailored to each adolescent’s needs. Sessions are available in person or virtually.
- Teach patients about their heart condition, interventions, medical management, and healthy lifestyle choices (starting at age 14).
- Help patients build their self-management and advocacy skills.
- Provide mental health assessments and support.
- Assist families in navigating the adult care system and accessing community resources.
- Offer virtual “meet and greet” sessions with the adult care team.
Contact us
For more information email: cardiac.transition@sickkids.ca