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Annual health checks for people with a learning disability

What the annual learning disability health check involves, who is eligible, and how it helps spot health problems early, across the four UK nations.

Sample content. This prototype article summarises official UK sources listed at the end of the page. It is information, not legal or medical advice, and what you are entitled to depends on your circumstances.

Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Date last checked
12 January 2026
Date last updated
12 January 2026
Next review due
12 July 2026
Article version
1.0
Review status
Review status: Published and checked

Overview

People with a learning disability are entitled to a free annual health check with their GP practice from the age of 14 in England, designed to spot health problems early, since research shows people with a learning disability are more likely to have unmet health needs and die younger than the general population.

The check usually includes checks on weight, blood pressure, blood and urine tests, medication reviews, and questions about epilepsy, mental health, and any difficulties with everyday activities.

To be eligible in England, you usually need to be on your GP's learning disability register; ask your GP practice to add you if you are not already on it.

Similar programmes exist in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, though the exact age of eligibility and delivery model varies, so it's worth asking your own GP practice or health board what is available locally.

Common barriers people describe

  • Not everyone who is eligible is on their GP's learning disability register, so they may never be invited for a check.
  • Appointments are not always adapted well enough (for example, using easy read materials or allowing longer appointment times).
  • Some people and families are not aware the annual health check exists or what it covers.
  • Health action plans produced after the check are not always followed up or shared with other services such as day centres or care providers.

Practical support

  • Ask your GP practice to confirm whether you or the person you support is on the learning disability register, and to book an annual health check if not already done this year.
  • Take a hospital passport or communication passport to the appointment if you have one, and mention any communication support you need.
  • After the check, you should be offered a written Health Action Plan; keep a copy and share it with carers, support workers or other services as helpful.
  • Mencap and local learning disability teams can help explain what to expect from the check and support you to prepare questions in advance.

Your rights

  • Under the NHS contract in England, GP practices are commissioned to offer this annual check to everyone aged 14 and over on their learning disability register.
  • You have the right to reasonable adjustments to how the check is carried out, such as a longer appointment, easy read information, or someone supporting you in the room.
  • If a GP practice does not offer you an annual check despite being eligible, you can raise this with the practice manager or your local Integrated Care Board (England) or equivalent NHS body.

Possible benefits and financial support

These are things you may want to check. Nothing here is a decision, and entitlement always depends on your circumstances.

    Workplace adjustments to consider

      Education adjustments to consider

        Getting healthcare that works for you

        • The check often uses a structured template covering areas such as weight and diet, mobility, continence, mental health, epilepsy, medication side effects, and sensory problems.
        • It's a good opportunity to raise anything you've noticed has changed, even if it seems unrelated to your learning disability.

        Related rights topics

        Sources

        Every fact on this page comes from the sources below. Follow the links for the full, official version.

        Update history

        • Version 1.0 — 12 January 2026

          First published sample article on annual learning disability health checks.

          Approved by: Editorial reviewer (sample)

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