Learning Disabilities

What Defines a Learning Disability?

A learning disability is lifelong condition and is different for everyone. The Department of Health and Social Care (2001) define a learning disability as "a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning), which started before adulthood.". The degree of disability can vary significantly, ranging from mild, moderate, severe or profound. 

Annual Physical Health Checks

Everyone who is over 14 years old and on their doctors learning disability register qualifies for an annual health check. During your physical health check you will:

• get a physical check up, including height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate 
• have your blood and urine tested
• talk to you about staying well and if you need any help with this
• talk to you about your medicines to make sure you are being given the right medicines when you need them
• check to see if your vaccinations are up to date
• check how you are feeling if you have a health problem such as asthma or diabetes  
• check to see if you have any other health appointments
• ask if your family or carers are getting the support they need
• help make sure that things go well when children move to adult services at the age of 18

At North Liverpool PCN we aim to make access to the GP as easy as possible. We can arrange and provide reasonable adjustments, such as longer appointments or beginning or end of the day appointments to avoid busy waiting areas. 

NHS England have provided information regarding the learning disability register and the support it can provide. Please follow this link to find out more: Learning disabilities - NHS (www.nhs.uk)