A new Manx charity is launched today (12 March) with the needs of young people suffering serious medical conditions at its heart.
Bridge the Gap aims to smooth the transition from pediatric to adult medical care - for youngsters with complex, chronic or life threatening conditions.
The charity aims to fund dedicated facilities at Noble's for older teenagers and young adults, and in the long-term, a hospital-based youth worker.
The transition from paediatric services to adult medical care when a young person reaches the age of 16, can be abrupt.
Bridge the Gap says a young person does not become an adult overnight, especially if dealing with a serious condition - such as cancer, acute asthma, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, diabetes or ME.
The new charity is welcoming input from teenagers, young adults, their families and carers, about what is needed to make long or repeated spells in hospital, more bearable.
Bridge the Gap has pledged to equip a room in the children's ward with decor and equipment for teenagers, and will raise funds to provide music and chill out rooms.
The new charity will be officially launched at the Courthouse in Douglas this evening.
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