My Health and Wellbeing

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Keeping healthy and well is an important part of growing up.

We have put together useful information about looking after your health and wellbeing in Gloucestershire. Explore the topic buttons above for different health topics, or the grey drop down bars below which cover the basics. 

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*REVIEWED BY YOUTH REPS NOVEMBER 2023*

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are facilities in the community that dispense medicines. They also can offer advice for minor health concerns.

How can a pharmacy help me?

You can visit a pharmacy to collect medicines. You can purchase over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol, antihistamines, first aid materials etc. or you can collect prescription medication. This will involve sharing a prescription written by your GP with your pharmacist and collecting it a few hours to a few days later. 

What advice can I ask for? 

You can talk to a pharmacist about any health concerns you may have. Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues without being overheard. Pharmacists are clinically trained. They can give advice and suggest appropriate over-the-counter medication. They will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Do I have to pay for my medication? 

All over-the-counter medication needs to be purchased. The price will be displayed in the pharmacy. Most people aged 18+ will also have to pay for prescription medicines. In 2023 in England, the prescription charge for most items is £9.65. Everyone aged 16 and under gets their prescriptions for free. You may still be eligible for free prescriptions once you turn 16, depending on your circumstances. Please read this advice for more information. If you have a low income, you can apply for an HC2 certificate, which covers free prescriptions. 

pharmacy Logo

This image contains the green pharmacy logo.

GPs (doctors)

A GP (General Practitioner) is a doctor who works in the community, usually based at a GP surgery. You can speak to a GP about anything to do with your physical or mental health. They will be able to refer you to more specialist care if you need it. 

How to register at a GP surgery?

Anyone aged 16 or over can sign up to a GP surgery without the help of a parent or carer. If you’re under 16, a parent or carer will need to register on your behalf. 

Find a GP near you:

Use this NHS postcode checker to find GPs near you that you can register with. You'll need to live within a certain distance of the surgery. This tool will let you know the surgeries that are nearby. 

Booking an appointment: 

It isn't possible to walk-in to a GP surgery. You will need to make an appointment in advance. Each GP surgery has its own system for booking appointments. There might be options to book online, over the phone or by using an app. Ask what the options are when you register.

When you book an appointment, you might be asked about the reason. This can help ensure you receive the right care. You don’t have to tell them if you don’t want to. You can also request to see a male or female GP if you have a preference.

Annual Health Checks

GP surgeries hold an all-age Learning Disability Register. If you are on the GP’s Learning Disability Register you should be offered extra support when visiting your doctor. This could be in the form of extra time at appointments, appointments at the beginning or end of the day when it is quieter, or easy read information. For an easy read guide to Annual Health checks, click here. 

How to join the Learning Disabilities Register?

Go to your doctor’s surgery and ask the receptionist if you are on the Learning Disability Register. If you are not on the register, you will need to make an appointment with your doctor to tell them that you have a learning disability and ask them to add you to their register.

What to expect?

Once you are on the Learning Disabilities Register, your GP will invite you to an annual health check once a year. Annual health checks are designed to promote the early detection and treatment of physical and mental health problems. Health checks are effective in identifying previously unrecognised health needs.

Annual Health Checks are also an opportunity for you to get to know your doctor! When you turn 18, your doctor my become the main healthcare professional supporting you, so getting to know your doctor at your annual health checks is really helpful. 

You can find out more about accessing your annual health check and what it’s about here: https://superchargedme.uk/

Hospitals

Sometimes you may need to visit the hospital for an assessment or to see a specialist doctor. Occasionally, you may need to stay in hospital overnight or for a few nights. This happens when doctors would like to monitor you and make sure you are well enough to be at home.

Going to hospital as a child (aged 17 and under): 

If you are under 18 and need to go to hospital, you will be supported as a child. This means that you will have your treatment and care explained to you, but also to your parents or carers. You parent/carers will be closely involved and will be allowed to stay on the ward with you, including overnight. 

Going to hospital as an adult (aged 18 and over): 

When you turn 18, you will be treated as an adult. This means that if you have to go to hospital, it will be your decision to consent to your treatment and care - not your parent's or carer's. Your parents/carers may come with you to outpatient appointments if you'd like them to, but they don't have to. If you are staying overnight in hospital, your parents/carers will not be able to stay with you. 

Preparing for hospital: 

Going to the hospital might cause worry, but it is important to know that the Doctors and Nurses are there to help you.  If you are staying in hospital they will always try to get you home as quickly as possible once they know you are well enough to do so.

If you have a diagnosed Learning Disability the doctors in the hospital should already know. They will be able to adjust your care to help you. 

It can be helpful to have a completed a Health Passport with you when you go into hospital. You or someone you trust can fill out your Health Passport. If you haven’t completed one before going into hospital, don’t worry – someone will be able to fill the template in with you when you are there. You can edit this Health Passport on the computer and then print it out before your stay. 

Supporting People with Learning Disabilities
Charlotte's annual health check and health action plan
BSL: Deaf teens and going to the doctor

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