Written question asked by Peter Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 26 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 November 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many individuals in the Province with a learning disability are offered an annual health check; and what steps he is taking to increase this total.

Answer: Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many individuals in the Province with a learning disability are offered an annual health check; and what steps he is taking to increase this total. [194523] Angela Smith: Annual health checks have not been routinely offered to people with a learning disability. The terms of the recently revised GPs contract do not require the offer of annual health checks to patients who have a learning disability. However, GPs provide the same level of care to those with a learning disability as they do to other patients, when they present with a health problem. The current independent review of mental health and learning disability has identified the physical health of people with a learning disability as an area for particular action. The review will be making a number of recommendations on the delivery of primary care services that would benefit people with a learning disability. The recommendations will inform the future development of these services.

Secondary information