Young people like Jennie are seen in hospital every day and adolescents make up over 10% of the country's population as a whole.
As a doctor you must always remember to look beyond the physical problem and consider the wider implications of disease and disability, as well as being understanding of the challenges that all teenagers face.
Transition to adult services can be a very challenging time for young people. Some relish the opportunity for self-determination whilst others may become fearful of the relative unknowns of new teams and therapists replacing (life) long relationships.
This Virtual Case will hopefully have given you some ideas about how you might handle your next consultation with an 'older' young person, as well as making you more aware of their place within the law and society as a whole.
For further information regarding issues raised in this case, you may wish to look at the following resources:
https://www.disabilitymatters.org.uk/ - Fantastic free e-learning resource
http://www.scope.org.uk/ - charity dedicated to ensuring equality for those with disabilities
http://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children - for further information about DLA