Learning Disability Week – have you had your annual health check?

This week is Learning Disabilities Week (16 to 22 June), the NHS in Derbyshire is highlighting the importance of free annual health checks for individuals with a learning disability. 

These checks, typically conducted by GPs, play a vital role in identifying health conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed.

There is a video on the Joined Up Care Derbyshire website that explains all about the health checks.

There are also several easy-read documents that can be printed off or read on screen:

• What is an Annual Health Check
• Who can get an Annual Health Check
• What is a Health Action Plan
• What happens at an Annual Health Check
• Top Tips for your Annual Health Check Appointment
• How to Book your Annual Health Check Appointment
• Benefits of an Annual Health Check

This year’s theme, “do you see me?”, focuses on visibility, voice, and value for people with learning disabilities. Dan Walmsley is a Strategic Health Facilitation Assistant at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, one of two NHS Trusts in Derbyshire that provides support to people with learning disabilities and autism.

Here, Dan highlights the importance of receiving an annual health check to reduce the barriers that people with a learning disability face.

Dan said: “Have you had your annual health check? If people with a learning disability don’t attend their health check they can become seriously ill. It is important that people understand the increased risk of health issues for those with a learning disability and know there is help available to manage this.

“It can be nerve-wracking discussing your health with someone you don’t know. However, I received my annual health check recently and found the healthcare professionals to be extremely informative and welcoming. I will now attend my health check every year without fail knowing this will support my overall health and wellbeing moving forward so I can live a long and healthy life.”

If you care for someone with a learning disability, please have a chat with them and ask: have you had your health check in the last year?

There is also information for GPs about the annual health checks  on the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website.

Arun Chidambaram, Medical Director at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, explains the importance of receiving an annual physical health check if you or someone you know has a learning disability.

He said: "Those with a learning disability are at a higher risk of physical health issues. For example, it is easier for people with a learning disability to develop health issues such as diabetes or heart disease. However, with the right care and support, these risks can be limited.

"Health checks are carried out by local GP practices and health professionals who aim to better inform our patients, their carers and loved ones on how information on physical health can be accessed.

"I urge anyone who is eligible to contact their GP practice to book a physical health check."

For more information about annual health checks for people with a learning disability, please contact the Trust's Learning Disabilities Strategic Health Facilitation team: dhcft.strategic-health-facilitation-team@nhs.net