Annual health checks

If you are 14 years old and have a learning disability, you will be offered a yearly annual health check. You do not need to be unwell to have a health check. Most people will have their annual check check when they are feeling well. It is to help you to stay healthy.

Having a yearly health check will help you to stay healthy. You will be able to talk to a doctor or nurse about your health. If there are any problems, or if anything is worrying you, they will make sure you get the right care.

You will have extra time for your appointment, and it is voluntary. You do not have to have to health check if you do not want it.

Let your GP know if you are worried about seeing a doctor or nurse or there is anything they can do to make the visit easier for you.

You can have ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you to feel more comfortable going to your appointment.

How to get a health check

To get a annual health check, you will need to:

be over 14 years old
have a learning disability
be on the learning disability register at your GP practice

When you are on the learning disability register at your GP practice, you should be invited to come for an annual health check each year.

You can ask to put yourself on the register. You can also get someone else to do this for you. You can check with your GP practice to see if you are on the register.

Some GP practices may not offer annual health checks. If your doctor's practice has not offered you an annual health check, you can ask them if you can have one.

If they say no, ask your local SEND Hub to help you. They should be able to help you get an annual health check.

If you have joined the learning disability register you might be able to have a free Annual Health Check.

Learn more about Annual Health Checks

View the Easy Read Annual Health Check

Pre-appointment questionnaire

Before you go to your appointment, you may be sent a questionnaire to fill out to take with you. This will help the GP practice get to know you a little better. It also helps you to think about some of the questions that the doctor or nurse will ask you. You can ask someone to help you like a parent, carer or another trusted adult. If you are not sent a questionnaire you download and print your own.

Download the Health Check Questionnaire

What will happen at your appointment

You can choose if you would like go on your own or take someone with you.

At the health check you will have an appointment with a doctor (GP) or nurse. They will ask questions about your health, how you are feeling and give information and guidance on how to stay healthy.

During the health check the doctor or nurse will:

do a physical check-up, including weight, heart rate, blood pressure and taking blood and urine (pee) samples
talk about staying healthy and well and if you need any help with this
talk about the medicines you are taking
talk about relationships and sexual health
check to see if your vaccinations (injections) are up to date

The doctor or nurse will ask how you are. They will ask you about any other health problems.

They will check if your family and carers are getting the support they need.

Sometimes the doctor or nurse will do extra tests like a blood test to see if there are any other health risks.

They can also give you health information and advice on healthy eating, exercise, contraception and stopping smoking.

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