How to book a health check

All people aged 14 or over with a learning difficulty are entitled to a free health check every year. First they need to be on their doctor’s learning disability register.

Talk to your doctor and make sure you, or the person you care for, is on the register. After that you can make an appointment by phoning or visiting your surgery.

If your surgery does not do annual health checks, ask them to arrange an appointment at a nearby practice who can see you instead.

You could also ask your local community learning disability team for advice. They should be able to help you arrange an annual health check.

Please do not wait for the doctor to contact you each year. If your doctor has not been in touch, you should ask to make an appointment.

It is up to all of us, including friends, parents, carers, doctors and people who work with us to make sure none of us miss out. Everybody deserves to live a long and healthy life.

Joe Wastell

If you need further help and advice

If you're not sure what to do next, there are organisations in Medway you can turn to for help and advice.