It might seem like an obvious thing, but the first difference is that you’ll probably get seen in a different place. Children’s cardiology clinics are usually located within child health / paediatrics, but ACHD clinics are in the adult outpatients. In Auckland there are different ACHD clinics in different locations (just to make it even more confusing!). Just make sure that you check your appointment letter so that you know where to go.

It’s really up to you. If you want your parents or someone else to accompany you then that’s fine, but if you’d prefer to come by yourself then that’s cool too. It’s good to gradually get used to being seen by yourself, so most clinics seeing young adults will start to encourage you to have your parents or support person out of the room for at least part of the appointment.

In the kids clinic the conversation is often mainly with your parents, but in the adult clinic it’s going to be with you. Make sure that you understand what the team are telling you, and if you don’t you should ask them to explain.
If you have questions, you should always feel comfortable asking. It’s takes a little while to build up this confidence, but remember that the medical team are there to help you and they won’t be judgmental about any questions you may ask. It can be helpful to write down questions before the clinic (or put a list on your phone), just so that you don’t forget them once you are in the appointment.

As an adult, you make the decisions about your own health (and the law says that you get to consent to health care). This can be a bit daunting, and to start with it’s worth talking to your parents and getting them to give you advice too, but the final decision is down to you. Really this is a good thing and reflects the fact that you are gradually becoming an independent adult.

ACHD inpatients will usually be admitted to adult cardiology or adult medicine wards. If you’re coming in for heart surgery then you will go to the adult cardiac surgery ward. These wards will seem very different to the kids wards. It’s usually quieter, and most of the patients are older. Sometimes you will need to be in a shared room with some other (usually older) adults.
The wards are often not set up for having a parent or support person to stay overnight, but if you feel like this could be a big deal for you, then you can talk to the nursing staff to see what they can do. They understand that this is a big change from what you are used to.
And yes, the walls are usually plain!

Ah yes, the important stuff! Most NZ hospitals do have free public wifi that you can use while you’re in hospital. Just don’t expect it to be lightning fast.

Kids with other health problems will often have a general paediatrician as well as a cardiologist. In adult medicine you don’t usually see a general physician in the hospital, and the majority of your health issues will be looked after by your general practitioner (GP). If you have a GP already then that’s sorted, but if not it’s worth finding one soon, because they will be an important part of you healthcare for many years to come. Remember you can change your GP if you want to – it’s important that you have a doctor who you trust and you get on with.