Do you know someone with a learning disability?

NHS Western Isles is inviting anyone with a learning disability aged 16 and over for their free Annual Health Check.  

The health checks are aimed at helping spot undiagnosed conditions early, which are then often easier to treat and may even be prevented, and are open to anyone who may have difficulty accessing health care due to an intellectual disability, with or without a formal diagnosis.

The nurse will offer health checks in local areas across the Western Isles, and tailor the appointment to individual needs.  The nurse will be able to help answer health-related questions before, during or after appointments, and individuals can bring someone for support, such as a friend, family member or support worker, if they wish.

A learning disability is something that affects how a person’s brain works.  It can make it harder to learn, understand, or do things, and starts before adulthood, although some individuals may not receive a formal diagnosis until they are adults.  A learning disability lasts for life and is different for everyone, with some individuals requiring a little help, whilst others require increased support.  

People with learning disabilities may find it hard to get the healthcare they need, and the annual Health Check helps individuals to stay healthy, and you do not need to be ill to receive this check.

Everyone who is registered as having a learning disability with their GP will be invited for their Annual Health Check and, to date, over 120 learning disability health checks have already been provided across the Western Isles this year.

If you have not yet been called for your annual Health Check, or if you have any questions, please contact Mandy Callaghan, Community Learning Disability Nursing Team, NHS Western Isles, tel. 01851 763335 or email mandy.callaghan@nhs.scot