14+ annual learning disability health check

Young people with a learning disability who are age 14 or over should have a yearly health check. 

This is important, as young people with a disability can often miss the early signs of a physical or mental health problem.

Having a yearly health check ensures health issues are spotted before they become serious and to make goals to stay healthy and well. It offers the opportunity for the young person to get to know their GP practice and staff, which can ease any anxieties about attending healthcare appointments.

The health check is offered from 14 years of age to support with transition into adult services. Access to services can change at 18 years of age and therefore it is good to build relationship with staff at GP surgery so they can be familiar with the young person and their needs.  

• Read Just One Norfolk's guide to yearly health checks
• Watch this NHS video on why health checks are important

Young people can say no to all or parts of the health check. Although you don't have to, it is a really good idea to have the health check. Mental capacity law comes into effect at 16 years of age, and your GP surgery may ask to speak directly to the young person to arrange their appointment. If the person has any communication needs that will affect them arranging their own appointment, it is important for these to be recorded on their health recorded. 

How to get a yearly health check

You will need to make sure that your young person is on your General Practitioner's (GP's) learning disability list. Check at your GP's practice.

The GP's practice will then contact you, or your young person, to arrange a convenient time to go for the health check.

What happens at a yearly health check? 

During the health check the doctor or practice nurse should check things like:

• Blood pressure
• Blood
• Height
• Weight
• Eyes
• Ears
• Temperature
• Chest
• Urine
• Any medication you may be taking 
• If your vaccinations are up to date 
• You are getting the support you need 
• What other professionals are involved in your care 
• You may be asked to have a blood test 

The check will also give your young person the opportunity to talk about things that may be worrying them. They can also talk about services and things that might improve their health. They should be given a health action plan at the end of the appointment which identifies the health needs and what will happen about them. 

• Download the NHS guide to what the health check should include (Easy read PDF)
• Watch a video about the yearly health check and what to expect

Preparing for an annual health check 

Please let your GP practice know if the young person requires any reasonable adjustments to attend their appointment. You can find out more about reasonable adjustments and some examples here: About reasonable adjustments | Mencap | Easy Read 

You can fill in a pre-health check questionnaire before the appointment and take it with you, or complete it digitally and email to your GP practice. This will help you to prepare for the appointment and the questions that will be asked.