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Learning Disability

Answer

The learning disabilities health check scheme was introduced into the general practitioner (GP) contract in 2010-11. Take-up of the scheme by GP practices has steadily increased, and 83% of practices now offer this service to people with learning disabilities who are on their registered patient list. We have agreed with the GP Committee of the British Medical Association, to increase the qualifying cohort for health checks to include all patients from the age of 14.

We are very much committed to building on this progress, so that all people with moderate or severe learning disabilities have access to health checks. We consider that this is best done by continuing to extend take-up among the 17% of practices that are not yet providing the service. NHS England will work with system providers to develop a standard template that will address the priorities stated above. This template will enable GP practices to deliver a high standard of care to all patients

As part of the Enhanced Service Specification for those practices signed up to the learning disabilities health check scheme, it is a requirement that all eligible patients will be offered an annual health check. Work will continue with those practices who have not yet signed up to the scheme.

There are no targets set for annual health checks.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

193354; 578 cc489-490W

Session

2013-14

Subjects

Health Learning disability Screening

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk