New Annual Health Check Pathway to improve services for learning disability community in Wales
20 March 2026
A new Annual Health Check Pathway has been introduced to increase the uptake and quality of Annual Health Checks, a key activity to address the health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability in Wales.
In Wales, Annual Health Checks are offered every year by GP practices to adults with a learning disability aged 18 and over. These checks provide an opportunity to identify health issues early, review existing conditions and medications, and plan personalised care.
Bethany Kruger, Senior Improvement Manager at NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, has established a National Working Group to ensure consistent delivery of Annual Health Checks through the development of the new pathway. She said:
“This pathway is a really positive step forward in supporting the people who matter most - the people themselves, their families and carers and for primary healthcare staff who deliver them.
“Our project has been made possible because of the collaboration across Wales, and I’d like to thank health boards for their openness, engagement and commitment. I’m also grateful to colleagues in the third sector and people with lived and learned experience, whose voices and expertise have been central to shaping something that can make a real difference.”
The new pathway was launched at two events in North and South Wales. The first event took place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on Monday 16 March and a follow-up event took place at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Friday 20 March.
Over 100 people attended the two events, including representatives from Regional Partnership Boards, academia, and the third sector. People with lived and learned experience played a key role in the project, and opened both events as key speakers, sharing their rich lived experiences and insights. Their support helps ensure that services genuinely reflect the needs and experiences of the people they are designed to support.
The national group recognised the need to improve awareness of Annual Health Checks in social care as well as health communities. A suite of communications assets and additional resources have been developed to help individuals, groups, and organisations in their ongoing efforts to promote the importance of Annual Health Checks.
The communication assets and the additional resources will be published on a forthcoming Get Checked Out Wales website, which is being adapted and nationalised from Conwy Connect’s successful website focused on North Wales.
The additional resources include updated Easy Read invitation and appointment letters, helpful guidance for the person and their carers, and the Health Action Plan template.