Overview
Everyone from the age of 14 with a learning disability is entitled to an Annual Health Check with their GP, we want to make sure young people and their families are aware of what this is about and why it is needed. It is also important that they are on their GP learning disability register.
Annual Health Checks assist with the transition to adult services and help embed awareness of health and how to stay healthy, particularly as people with learning disabilities are known to have poorer health than the general population and may die at a younger age.
The following resources can be used with patients to help explain what Annual Health Checks are and why to access them. They have been developed by Contact and the National Network of Parent Carer Forums and NHS England, GPs and Clinical Commissioning Groups as well as parent carers.
Webinar - Bromley Parent Voice and NHS England
A video with Bromley Parent Voice and NHS England explains:
- What the check is
- Why it matters
- What to expect
- What to do if it doesn’t go well
Don’t Miss Out - Mencap
Mencap has videos and guides. People with learning disabilities talk about:
- What happens at the check
- Why it’s important
- What help you can ask for.
It’s your health check - Somerset Council
This video where a person with learning disabilities interviews a GP Learning Disability lead for NHS Somerset explains:
- Who can have a check
- What to think about before you go
- That it’s okay to say “no” to anything you’re not comfortable with
Health is Everybody’s Responsibility - Misfits Theatre Company
This film by a theatre company of people with learning disabilities shows:
- Why health checks matter
- Why being on the GP register is important
- What can go in your Summary Care Record
It has Easy English subtitles.
Supercharged Me - Kingfisher Treasure Seekers
A fun website for young people with learning disabilities who use phones or tablets. It encourages you to have your health check and be the best version of yourself. You can find out more on the Supercharged Me website.
The information on pre-health check questionnaires really supports them to understand why filling in forms before appointments helps.
Get Checked Out - Health Facilitation Team in Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
The Health Facilitation Team in Leeds and York has made helpful tools like:
- A pre-check questionnaire
- Information for families
Visit the Learning Disability Service website for more information.
Flowchart for GP practices
There is a flowchart to help GPs in Somerset with the health check process. This was made during COVID-19 and includes options for phone or video checks.