On Thursday 29th October 2020 we had a live Let’s Talk about Annual Health Checks session with Healthwatch Enfield and staff from Enfield Council’s Integrated Learning Difficulties Team. Here is that session for anyone who has missed it.
We also have lots of information and another video further down the page that shows you what the Annual Health Check would look like.
Annual health checks are for adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability. They are voluntary.
They are not the same as The NHS Health Check programme which is for all adults aged 40 to 74.
An annual health check helps you stay well by talking about your health and finding any problems early, so you get the right care.
You do not have to be ill to have a health check – in fact; most people have their annual health check when they’re feeling well.
Why get a Annual Health Check?
You’ll get to know your GP better, which will help if you ever do get ill.
Most health problems are simple to treat once you know about them.
Your GP can help stop you getting a serious health condition. This is better than waiting until you’re ill.
You can ask your GP questions about your health, how you’re feeling, your care or any medicines you take.
Your GP can give you information you need in a way that will help you.
How do you get an appointment?
Adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability who are on the GP practice learning disability register should be invited by their GP practice to come for an annual health check.
You can ask to be put on the learning disability register at your GP surgery. It is different to being known to social services.
What if my GP doesn’t offer the annual health check?
Most GP surgeries offer annual health checks to people with a learning disability. However, GP surgeries don’t have to offer this service.
If your GP surgery hasn’t offered you an annual health check, you can ask them if they could provide one. If they say no, ask your local community learning disability team for advice. They should be able to help you access an annual health check.
