Who can have an annual health check?

Anyone aged 14 or over who is on their doctor's learning disability register can have a free annual health check once a year.  

You do not have to be ill to have a health check – in fact, most people have their annual health check when they are feeling well.

Who should be on a GP Learning Disability Register?

GP learning disability registers are a record of all the people registered with the practice that have a learning disability. This is different to the Register of Disabled Children that all local authorities are required to keep.

The GP learning disability register enables practice staff to identify children, young people and their families who may need extra help or support to access healthcare. 

Anyone with a diagnosis of learning disability can ask to go on it. If your child  is under 16, you can ask for your child to be added. If they are over 16, they may need to ask for themselves, or if they are unable to make this decision for themselves, you can discuss with their GP. 

Speak with the surgery about going on the register as not all children and young people who have a learning disability will have a specific diagnosis, even though they may have other disabilities.

What are the benefits of being on the register?

• having an annual health check, if 14 or over

• Parent carers and siblings being identified as carers

• a better understanding of a child or young person’s needs before they attend health or care settings

• improved transition to adult services, as your GP will be aware of your young person’s needs and can be involved in any planning.

More information

You can find more information about annual health checks by clicking on the link for the NHS website and for the Mencap website.  You can also find more information in the documents which you can download from the box across