PEOPLE with learning disabilities in parts of Essex will benefit from a new initiative to increase access to life-saving annual health checks and provide more personalised support to stay well.

NHS Essex is working in partnership with local charity, Hamelin, to deliver a year-long trial project in areas where uptake of annual health checks for people with a learning disability is currently lower than expected.

Annual health checks are vital in identifying health issues early and preventing more serious illness. The NHS Long Term Plan ambition is for at least 75% of people aged 14 and over with a learning disability to receive a yearly check. However, this is not currently being met in some parts of Essex. 

Tom Abell, Chief Executive at NHS Essex said: 
“Annual health checks can make a real difference for people with a learning disability, but only if they lead to the right support afterwards.

“This partnership with Hamelin is about making sure people are listened to, their health needs are understood, and they get practical, personalised help to stay well.

“By working closely with GP practices, charities and people with lived experience, we can make care more proactive, more personal, and easier to access — exactly what we mean by making NHS services better in Essex.”

Ru Watkins, Chief Executive at Hamelin said:
“We are delighted to be working with NHS Essex on this groundbreaking programme. By working alongside people with learning disabilities, we can ensure their voices are heard and that support is shaped around what matters most to them and their families.

This is about more than completing a check. The programme will join up services and sectors to improve, and in some cases create health and care pathways. It will develop a different way of thinking of how we can work together to build sustainable communities. Ultimately it is about helping people stay well and live healthier lives so they can achieve their aspirations.”

The pilot will take a new approach by supporting GP practices in areas of lower uptake and working directly with their patients with learning disabilities to ensure checks lead to meaningful action that help people stay healthy.

The programme will:

• Support GP practices to increase the number of completed health checks
• Work with patients to co-create personalised health action plans
• Provide ongoing support to help people achieve their health goals, including referrals and access to specialist services
• Signpost to other health and care providers in all sectors as and when needed by the individual

Hamelin will lead delivery of the pilot, working with local partners to ensure people with learning disabilities receive tailored, practical support beyond the initial health check.