Annual health check
People with a learning disability often have poorer physical and mental health than other people. This doesn't need to be the case. If you're an adult or young person over the age of 14 with a learning disability, your GP will offer you an annual health check. This helps people with a learning disability to stay well by talking about their health and finding any problems early, so that they get the right care.
They don't have to be ill to have a health check – in fact, most people have their annual health check when they're feeling well.
What do I need to do?
- Ensure that you're on your GP’s disability register
- Book your annual health check
Young people and adults aged 14 or over with a learning disability who are on the GP practice learning disability register should be invited by their GP practice to come for an annual health check.
If you think you, or someone you know, should be on that register speak to your GP.
What happens in an annual health check?
This video features young people from Shropshire explaining what an annual check is and what to expect at your appointment.
The check should include an opportunity to talk about anything which is worrying you about physical or mental health. What is covered can vary, although work is going on locally to improve consistency.
Some appointments may now take place over the phone or virtually, via online consultations or if needed face to face. You can talk to your GP about what type of appointment is best for you. Appointments tend to last 30 to 40 minutes.
For further information an easy read guide from Mencap is available to view.