Annual Health Checks – Learning Disabilities

People with a learning disability often have worse physical and mental health than other people. This is why it’s important that they have an annual health check.

Anyone aged 14 or over who is on their doctor's learning disability register can have a free annual health check once a year.

If you’re not sure if you or your child is on the register, you can check with your GP.

You can ask to go on this register if you think you have a learning disability.

An annual health check can help you stay well by talking to a doctor or nurse about your health and finding any problems early, so they can be sorted out.

You don’t have to be ill to have a health check – in fact, most people have their annual health check when they are feeling well.

If you are worried about seeing a doctor, or there is anything they can do to make your appointment better, let the doctor or nurse know.

 

The NHS have more information about annual health checks: Learning disabilities - Annual health checks - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

 

You can contact the GP to ask about having an annual health check, or a parent or carer can do this for you.

This video shows what it’s like having an annual health check. It is made by the Misfits Theatre Company, which is run by and for people with learning disabilities.