What is this leaflet for?
This leaflet gives easy read information about having a health check.
A member of staff or a carer can support you to read this. They will be able to answer any questions that you have.
Why do I need a health check?
You have a health check to find out if there are any problems.
Anyone aged 14 or over who is on the GP Learning disability register can have a free health check once a year.
By doing health checks staff can help pick up on any problems and do something to help.
The nurse or doctor at your GP surgery will give you the health check.
You will be asked questions about your health and your family’s health. Your carer and staff can help you to answer the questions.
The health check can take about 40 minutes.
The nurse or doctor will ask you how you feel and take your blood pressure.
The nurse or doctor will check your weight and your height.
You might be asked for a blood test.
You might be asked for a urine sample.
The nurse or doctor will ask you about:
Medication
Smoking
Alcohol
Healthy eating
Exercise
Looking after your teeth and going to the dentist
Having your eyes tested at the opticians
The nurse or doctor will write down the things you tell them about your health.
At the end of the health check the nurse or doctor might ask you to come and see them again, or arrange for you to see other people about your health.
Information from your health check could be added to your health action plan.
If you do not have a health action plan this could help you to start one.
If there are no worries about your health you will have another health check in one years’ time
Reasonable adjustments
A reasonable adjustment is something your GP practice can do to make your health appointment better for you.
For example:
- A longer appointment time
- An appointment at the beginning or end of the day when it might be quieter
- Using pictures or simpler words
Contact the team
Community learning disability team:
- Newcastle telephone: 0191 210 6868
- Gateshead telephone: 0191 478 0650
Problems, complaints or suggestions
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust has a complaints policy.
If you want to complain we will give you a leaflet to explain how to, or you can talk to a member of staff.
If you think there are things we could do to make our service better please tell a member of the team.
Reproduced with kind permission from Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.
This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288.
Published by the Patient Information Centre
2024 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/439/1224 December 2024 V5
Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2027
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