Learning Disabilities

If you have a learning disability or know someone who does, please book in to see our nurse practitioner Jill

People with learning disabilities often have poorer physical and mental health than other people. This doesn’t need to be the case.

The Annual Health Check scheme is for adults and young people aged 14 or above with learning disabilities who need more health support and who may otherwise have health conditions that go undetected.

People with learning disabilities often have difficulty in recognising illness, communicating their needs and using health services. Research shows that regular health checks for people with learning disabilities often uncover treatable health conditions. Most of these are simple to treat and make the person feel better, while sometimes serious illnesses such as cancer are found at an early stage when they can be treated.

The Annual Health Check is also a chance for the person to get used to going to their GP practice, which reduces their fear of going at other times.

The Annual Health Check lets the person with learning disabilities go to their GP practice and have aspects of their health checked. It also allows them to talk about anything that is worrying them.

During the appointment we will:

• Perform a general physical examination, including checking their weight, heart rate, blood pressure and taking blood and urine samples
• Assess the patient’s behaviour, including asking questions about their lifestyle, and mental health
• Check for any features of epilepsy
• Review any prescribed and over the counter medicines the patient is currently taking
• Review any chronic illnesses, such as asthma or diabetes, to ensure they are being well managed
• Review any ongoing treatment with other health professionals, such as physiotherapists or speech therapists
• Discuss current help and support and if this is adequate
• Provide the patient with any relevant health information, such as advice on healthy eating, exercise, contraception or stop smoking support.