Desq | News | Bespoke Digital Learning

Making healthcare work for young people

Written by Laura Giles | Apr 1, 2026 1:30:59 PM

As young people move from child to adult services, they can experience gaps in care — too old for children’s healthcare, but not yet ready for adult systems. 

Rebecca, a young person from the region, explains:

“In the children’s hospital, I felt supported, safe, and cared for. When I was suddenly moved into adult services, I found the environment stark, intimidating, and alien.”  

Young people can feel particularly vulnerable during this transition, and a negative experience here can impact their well-being and engagement with healthcare in the future.

That's why it's so important that young people receive developmentally appropriate healthcare.

Clinical insight meets best practice in online pedagogy

Over the past few months, we’ve been collaborating with experts from NHS SYB to develop a digital training package for healthcare professionals.

These short, interactive modules are filled with practical guidance to empower healthcare professionals.

 

Blending clinical insights with best practice in online pedagogy, they feature a playful design that reflects SYB’s Statement of Intent which was developed in collaboration with young people in the region.

 

The training is fully responsive, allowing learners to access content on any device – ideal for professionals who need flexibility in how and where they learn. 

 

"I have worked within the NHS for 20 years and done a lot of training. This training in particular stands out to me as being interactive, fun, engaging and above all else inspirational. I am certain this training will act as a real catalyst for change and improve services for our young people in SYB and beyond." 

Gemma Hayden, Programme Manager 
Paediatric Innovator Programme 
South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Acute Federation 

Desq and NHS SYB are proud to make this package available to all healthcare professionals.

Whether you work in paediatrics, adult services, mental health, or community care, this training will help you deliver care that is truly developmentally appropriate – ensuring every young person feels seen, heard, and supported.