It is well documented that people with a learning disability have poorer health than the general population. They also receive a less equitable service, with poor access to National Screening Programmes, Health Promotion activities and mainstream health services in general.
The Directed Enhanced Service (DES) for Learning Disabilities 2008/9 provides Primary Care Practices with funding to set up their Learning Disability register and provide health checks for people on that register.
The Practices are expected to provide an annual health check which will integrate with the person’s personal health record, or health action plan. Practices are expected to involve carers and families and liaise with social and education support services in addition to learning disabilities health professionals.
Before providing the health checks, Practices are expected to attend training provided by NHS Sheffield in partnership with the specialist health learning disabilities service. More information about this training can be found on the Training page.
A resource pack has also been produced, to provide information and support to help Primary Care Practices carry out their annual health checks and follow up care for people with a learning disability on their Practice register. This pack can be found on the GP Resource Pack page.
