Herefordshire General Practice is working with Healthwatch Herefordshire and Herefordshire Health Checkers to encourage people with learning disabilities to take up their annual health checks and vaccinations.

Annual Health Checks are offered to anyone aged 14 or over who has a learning disability. However, many do not take up the offer for a number of reasons including worries about what they involve.

As part of a campaign to encourage greater uptake, Healthwatch Herefordshire has  created a brand new video. The film features members of Herefordshire Health Checkers explaining what Annual Health Checks are and why they are important. It also provides reassurance on some of the most common worries expressed by people with learning disabilities.

A separate video created by the same team focuses on annual flu and covid vaccinations for people with learning disabilities. This explains why vaccinations are important and explains clearly what patients should expect.

Both films emphasise the support available at surgeries for patients with learning disabilities. This includes requesting reasonable adjustments such as quieter appointment times or bringing a trusted family member or friend with them to their appointment.

The Herefordshire Health Check Team says: 

"Going for a health check or vaccination isn't easy for everyone and it can make people feel anxious, worried, scared and unsure of what to expect.

"We have put together some short films to tell you more about Annual Health Checks and vaccinations so that you know more about them and what to expect from them and why it is so important to keep your body healthy."

You can view the videos here (links to You Tube):

1. Annual Health Checks film
2. Vaccinations film