Synopsis
Deliver an accessible annual learning-disability health check from age fourteen, convert findings into an owned health action plan, and actively close preventable gaps in screening, vaccination, medication and chronic-disease care.
- In England, people aged fourteen and over on the GP learning-disability register are eligible for a learning-disability annual health check and an accessible health action plan.
- The check supplements ordinary symptom-led care, NHS screening and chronic-disease review; it is not the general NHS Health Check and does not replace urgent assessment.
- Prepare by confirming communication and reasonable adjustments, inviting a supporter only if the person wishes or legal decision support requires it, and gathering specialist and care records.
- Review physical and mental health, function, syndrome-specific risks, epilepsy, swallowing, constipation, oral and sensory health, medicines, immunisation, sexual health, lifestyle and safeguarding.
- Offer the same national screening as everyone else, while changing invitation, explanation, equipment, preparation and follow-up to remove disability-related barriers.
- Write specific actions with owner and timescale in a format the person can use; book or refer rather than merely advising another service should be contacted.
- LeDeR evidence of early and avoidable death makes completion, follow-through and learning from missed care a core patient-safety responsibility.
Key red flags
New dysphagia, choking, recurrent chest infection, weight loss, persistent vomiting or abdominal distension requires prompt assessment because aspiration and gastrointestinal disease may be under-reported.
A sustained change in sleep, mobility, continence, communication, mood or behaviour may signal pain, sensory loss, epilepsy, depression, medication toxicity or another treatable disorder.
Repeatedly missed screening, vaccination, dental, epilepsy or chronic-disease follow-up indicates an access failure needing active adjustment and tracking.
Blanket do-not-resuscitate or treatment-limitation decisions based on learning disability rather than individual clinical circumstances are discriminatory and require urgent governance review.
Investigation priorities
Identify register status, missed follow-up, screening, vaccination, medicines and syndrome-specific surveillance before attendance.
Management branches
An eligible person is due or overdue for an annual learning-disability health check.
- Confirm GP register eligibility, preferred contact, communication, consent support, appointment adjustments and whether the person wants a chosen supporter present.
- Review prior actions, specialist letters, acute attendances, medicines, screening, vaccination, long-term conditions and syndrome-specific recommendations in advance.
- Book adequate time and equipment and provide an accessible explanation of what will happen, including any samples or examination preparation.