Purpose of a Learning Disability Annual Health Check

A Learning Disability Annual Health Check is a free appointment offered every year to individuals aged 14 and over who are included on their GP’s Learning Disability Register.

The aims of the Annual Health Check are to:

  • Ensure appropriate and equitable access to healthcare
  • Identify emerging or existing health needs
  • Promote good long term health outcomes
  • Reduce health inequalities for people with learning disabilities
  • Support the child or young person to understand and manage their health

Eligibility

Annual Health Checks are available to:

  • Anyone aged 14 or older on the Learning Disability Register
  • Young people in school, further education, apprenticeships or employment

Parents/carers may request that a child or young person is added to the Learning Disability Register if they are not already included. 

What the Annual Health Check Involves

The check is carried out by a GP or practice nurse and typically includes:

Health Discussion and Review

  • General health and wellbeing conversation
  • Review of existing medical conditions
  • Discussion about mental health, emotional wellbeing and behaviour

Physical Health Checks

  • Blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory checks
  • Weight, height and general physical assessment
  • Review of hearing and vision

Medication Review

  • Examination of current prescriptions
  • Consideration of side effects and effectiveness

Identifying Reasonable Adjustments

  • Discussion of any adjustments needed to make healthcare accessible
  • Planning for how these adjustments will be applied in future appointments

Health Action Plan

A Health Action Plan should be agreed with the child or young person (and family where appropriate). This includes:

  • Identified health needs
  • Actions to be taken by health professionals, parents/carers or the young person
  • Required support
  • Follow-up‑ dates

Importance of Annual Health Checks

Annual Health Checks play a key role in:

  • Identifying health concerns early and enabling timely intervention
  • Monitoring long-term or complex medical conditions
  • Ensuring access to inclusive and appropriate healthcare services
  • Empowering young people to take an active role in their own health
  • Reducing preventable health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities

Reasonable Adjustments in Healthcare

Healthcare providers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. These may include:

  • Longer or double appointments
  • Priority or quiet waiting areas
  • Easy read or visual communication
  • Appointments with familiar staff
  • First or last appointment slots of the day
  • Support with forms or communication needs


Accessing an Annual Health Check

  1. Contact the GP practice to confirm whether the child or young person is on the Learning Disability Register.
  2. Request that the child or young person are added if they are not already included.
  3. Once listed, the GP practice will invite them for an Annual Health Check.
  4. Discuss any reasonable adjustments needed ahead of the appointment.

Parents or carers and, where they are able, the young person are recommended to keep a record of appointments, reports and the Health Action Plan.