General practice can improve outcomes for people with a learning disability

A letter from the secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting MP, and Mencap has been sent to all GPs in England. The letter emphasises the importance of learning disability registers and annual health checks in addressing health inequalities. There is evidence that not everyone who could be on a learning disability register is on one. On average people with a learning disability die 19.5 years younger than the general population, with many deaths being avoidable if issues were to be recognised early. This letter provides guidance on identifying patients who would benefit from registration. GPs are asked to ensure they continue to offer annual health checks and reasonable adjustments to people who need them.