Learning disabilities health check scheme

Do you know that young people with learning disabilities aged 14 and over should now be having an annual health check through their GP practice?

If you support or provide a service to anyone you think is eligible, you may wish to make them, their families and their carers aware of this new programme.

There is good evidence that patients with learning disabilities have more health problems and die at a younger age than the rest of the population. The government is committed to reducing the incidence of co-morbidities and premature deaths and supports the recommendations from Bristol University’s confidential inquiry into premature deaths for people with learning disabilities.

As a result, practices should be widening the group of patients they pro-actively offer health checks to, so they include those with learning disabilities of 14 years and over. Previously the scheme focused on those aged 18 and above.

Along with carrying out the checks, practices should also be developing health action plans for their patients and are now also encouraged to maintain a learning disabilities ‘health check register’.

Children and young people aged 14 years and over with a learning disability are eligible for an annual review with their GP. More information can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/annual-health-checks/ or by contacting your GP.