GP annual health checks for young people with learning disabilities

Who is eligible for a GP annual health check?

Anyone over 14 years old who has a learning disability is eligible for an annual heath check. You need to be registered with a GP.

Where do annual health checks take place?

The health checks take place at your GP surgery.

Who does the annual health checks?

A GP or a member of their team, for example, a nurse, will go through the health check with your child.

What happens in an annual health check?

In an annual health check, your GP will:

• get information on your general wellbeing, diet, nutrition, mobility, continence, vaccinations and mental health
• discuss ongoing health needs
• review current medication
• do a physical examination if possible
• take your child’s height, weight and blood pressure if possible
• take a blood test if needed
• take a wee test is needed
• make any additional referrals if necessary

Why does my child need an annual health check?

GP annual health checks are for people with learning disabilities to review ongoing health concerns. They also check for new or unmet health concerns which have been missed.

What can I do to make the appointment easier for my child?

Ring the surgery and explain your child’s needs.

Ask for part of the health check to be a phone or video appointment to limit the time they have to spend in the GP surgery.

Prepare your child before the appointment, you could show them photos or take them to the GP surgery before the appointment to get familiar with it.

Ask for more time from the GP for the appointment, they usually take between 30 minutes and 60 minutes.

Ask for the appointment at less busy times to avoid waiting.

Ask if there are any adjustments to the room that would be helpful, for example, lowered lighting.

Request a home visit if possible.

Take additional people to the appointment that might help your child. For example, you could invite other family members or a carer that can take care of your child while you have a more in-depth discussion.

Take a list of current health conditions and any concerns you have about your child’s health.