People with a learning disability often have poorer physical and mental health than other people. An annual health check can improve people’s health by spotting problems sooner.
People with a learning disability can sometimes find it hard to know when they are ill and may find it hard to tell someone about it. It is very important to go to your annual health check every year so you and your doctor can find any problems early to help you.
Registered patients with a learning disability will be invited to The Atherstone Surgery for annual health checks with a GP who has a special interest in learning disabilities. Your doctor will partner with you to create a health action plan. Anyone aged 14 or older with a learning disability can receive an annual health check.
Benefits of having an annual health check:
- Development of a Health Check Action Plan – see below.
- Can link to the duty on local authorities to make sure all Education, Health and Care Plan reviews from Year 9 onwards include a focus on preparing for adulthood, this is the health outcome.
- Additional information can be added to the Summary Care Record which can ‘flag’ your child or young person’s needs or reasonable adjustments so that all healthcare professionals that care for them are aware.
- The child or young person can build their confidence of going to the surgery, and their familiarity with practice staff.
- Identification of any previously undetected health needs or health conditions.
- Health needs are acted upon, for example, referrals to other health care practitioners are made.
- GP’s and practice staff can get to know the person better when they are not unwell.
During the health check, the GP, practice nurse or other professional will:
- Do a general physical check which may include weight, heart rate, blood pressure and taking blood and urine samples.
- Ask about things that people with a learning disability often have problems with, such as epilepsy, constipation or problems with swallowing.
- Review medicines.
- Check any existing health problems such as asthma or diabetes.
- Discuss any other health appointments (dental, optician, specialist appointments and more).
- Ask about support you are getting.
- Discuss transition planning.
- Discuss how to stay healthy and offer general healthy living advice where appropriate.
- Discuss and agree the Health Check Action Plan (please make sure you are given a copy).
Whilst at your appointment doctors can refer for the following services:
- The Children’s Community Learning Disability Team will accept referrals via the Rise navigation service for all children with a Moderate to severe Learning Disability and behaviours that Challenge where needs cannot be met within Primary care services.
- Referrals into Community Adult Learning Disability Services throughout Coventry and Warwickshire are managed by a Central Booking Service.
Get ready for your health check
Click on the link below for an easy-to-read guide on how to get ready and what to expect from your health check. It tells you about what to take with you, what questions you may be asked and what checks the doctor may do.
Before your appointment, you will be asked to fill in a questionnaire to help your GP best assess your needs and check for any illnesses you may be developing. This form will be sent out with your health check invite, but you can also download it below to prepare in advance.
Please click on the links below for some videos about what to expect from your health check.