Bromley sees record uptake of annual health checks for people with learning disabilities
Bromley has achieved its highest ever number of Annual Health Checks for people with learning disabilities, with 87% of eligible patients receiving a check in 2024/25.
This milestone was reached thanks to a local initiative that placed Learning Disability Champions in every Primary Care Network (PCN). These champions worked closely with GP practices to increase access and improve the quality of care. They helped staff offer regular appointments, sent out reminders and arranged reasonable adjustments for patients who needed extra support.
The team also worked with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust to reach patients who were harder to contact and held monthly peer support meetings with Bromley’s Learning Disability Clinical Lead to share data and learning across practices.
People with a learning disability often have poorer physical and mental health than others. Some may find it hard to know when they’re unwell or to explain how they’re feeling. Annual Health Checks are a simple but effective way to spot problems early and keep people well.
Health checks are offered to everyone over the age of 14 with a learning disability. They take place at the GP surgery and can take up to an hour. The check may include:
- Blood pressure, weight, and BMI check
- Blood tests (if needed)
- Ear health check
- Medication review
- Referrals to other services
- A personalised Health Action Plan
This joined up approach has not only improved care for patients – it has also helped reduce avoidable hospital admissions and eased pressure on GP practices. Bromley now has a growing network of learning disability specialists, ready to support even more people across other services like screening, vaccinations and healthy weight support.