Annual health check for people with learning disabilities

Who can 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. 

You can ask to go on this register if you have a learning disability. Check with your doctor's practice if you or the person you care for is on the register. 

If you are unsure if you have a learning disability, you can check any paperwork that you have that includes a diagnosis such as a health condition. You can also ask your doctor or the person who cares for you. 

How will an annual health check help? 

You will get to know your doctor better. The doctor will also be able to spot any health problems sooner so that you get the treatment you need to stay well. 

You can ask your doctor questions about your health and tell them how you are feeling. 

You can also talk about any treatment you are having or medicine you use. 

How do you get an appointment? 

Adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability who are on the doctor's practice learning disability register should be invited by their doctor to come for an annual health check. If you have not received an appointment then it is ok to ring your GP Practice and ask for one.

Do you have to have an annual health check? 

No. You can choose if you want to have an annual health check or not. 

You can ask the doctor or nurse for more information about annual health checks before you decide. 

You will be asked if you are ok (give your consent) with having any tests or procedures before you have them.