Preparing for adulthood (PfA)

Need advice or medical help?

For all medical emergencies call 999.

If you need non-emergency advice on medical issues, then you can use the 111 service. You can use this service if you can't wait for a GP appointment and the service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other ways to contact 111 - NHS 111

GP

Ensure you are registered with a GP so that you can get treatment for non-urgent health issues and access to prescribed treatments if necessary. They can also refer to specialist services such as the Adult Learning Disability Occupational Therapy service if needed.

To find a GP visit NHS Find a GP.

If you have a learning disability, make sure your GP records this on their notes - this will help to make sure you are getting the right health care at all times.

More info: Joining the learning disability register

Free annual health check

Adults and young people aged 14 or over with a learning disability are entitled to free health checks. They are done by a doctor once a year, to help you stay healthy and see if you need any support.

The health checks are important because people with a learning disability often have poorer physical and mental health than other people. Find out more: Annual health checks

Check whether you're eligible for free prescriptions

Free flu jabs and COVID boosters

People on the learning disability register can get a free flu vaccine. You will also be invited for Coronavirus (COVID-19) booster vaccines. If you have family carers they will be invited as well. You can ask your doctor's surgery or pharmacy for advice about the flu jab or COVID vaccine.

For patients who may find it difficult to understand or consent to blood tests or vaccinations, please refer to the learning disability service for support.

Accessing dental care

Routine dental care can be provided by NHS or private dentists. Find an NHS Dentist

Community Dental Service (CDS) – Young people aged 16 and over requiring specialist dental services can be referred to CLCH CDS by any health care professional including your GP.

More info: CLCH Dentistry.

Mental health services

Available from age 16. Self-referral for common issues like depression and anxiety. Specialist services for severe conditions and perinatal mental health. Services range from community support to specialist services. Organised by need using the Thrive Framework.

More info: Emotional wellbeing and mental health.

The Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT)

The Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT) is a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals who provide support for adults with learning disabilities, including therapy and nursing. They may also be able to help you with things like looking after your health, making healthy choices, and meeting other people to stay active and take part in activities. The team supports the assessment and signposting of young people in transition from children to adult service from the age of 16 years.

More info: Community Learning Disability Team - Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust

The ASD and LD Keyworker Team

Keyworkers from the learning disabilities team help young people up to 25 years old who have learning disabilities, autism, or both who may struggle with complex behaviour or mental health issues. They step in when there's a possibility of hospital admission via the dynamic support register (DSR). The goal is to prevent hospitalisation, assist families, shorten hospital stays, prevent re-hospitalisation, and help young people return to their communities.

More info: NHS Learning Disabilities and Autism Programme

NHS continuing healthcare

NHS continuing healthcare is care arranged and funded by the NHS for people who have ongoing extensive healthcare needs, funded if eligible.

More info: NHS continuing healthcare.