Health Care
Neurodiversity Hub Wirral
This section explains how to get the health care you need.
It includes information about appointments, prescriptions, dentists, opticians, and what to do if you feel unwell.
You will also find support to help you understand your rights and make health care easier to use.
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Asking for changes that help you use health services
You can ask for reasonable adjustments to make health appointments easier.
Under the Equality Act 2010, hospitals, General Practitioner (GP) surgeries, and other health services must remove barriers that make it harder for disabled people to get care.
Examples of reasonable adjustments include:
early or late appointments
longer appointments
a quiet place to wait
priority appointments
Easy Read information
When a GP or specialist refers you for tests, you can ask them to include any adjustments you need in the referral letter.
Disabled people are protected from direct and indirect discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
This means health services must make sure you are treated fairly.You can also ask whether there is a Learning Disability Liaison Nurse (LDLN).
An LDLN is a specialist nurse who understands the needs of people with learning disabilities.
They can:help plan visits
speak to the health team
coordinate your care
support you on the day of the appointment
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My Health Passport is a tool for people with disabilities who may need hospital care.
It helps you share important information with:
doctors
nurses
other health staff
It helps explain your needs in a clear and simple way.
You can find the passport here
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As you get older, your rights around health care change.
Young people gain more control over their health and treatment as they move from child to adult services.
Before you turn 18, you can make some decisions yourself if your health professional believes you understand the decision.
From age 18, you can make your own health decisions as an adult.
More information:
https://11to25hub.com/wp/who-decides/
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Your health information is confidential.
As you become more independent, you will learn how to manage your own health information.
Health staff often share routine information with parents or carers because they help support you and keep you safe.
As you get older, you can choose not to share your information.
This depends on:
how independent you are
how much support you need
your relationship and trust with parents or carers
You can talk about this with someone in your health team.
More information:
https://11to25hub.com/wp/healthy-information/
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Everyone should register with:
a General Practitioner (GP)
a dentist
an optician or optometrist
You can make an appointment with your GP by:
phoning early in the morning
booking a later appointment if it is not urgent
Registering with a GP when you move
Many young people move out of their family home.
When you move, you will need to register with a GP near where you live now.
If you are a student, your university may have a GP service.
During holidays, you can register as a temporary resident with your previous GP.
GP information:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/
If you have a learning disability, ask your GP about:
joining the Learning Disability (LD) Register
getting an Annual Health Check
Make sure your immunisations are up to date.
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A GP or another member of your health team can issue a prescription.
Prescriptions may be for:
medication
medical devices
Some medicines must be prescribed by a hospital team.
There is usually a cost for each NHS prescription.
Prescriptions are free if:
you are in full‑time education
you have a qualifying medical condition
If you are exempt, you must apply for an exemption certificate, signed by your GP.
If you pay for several prescriptions each month, you may save money with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate.
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On the NHS, you can get treatments needed for your oral health, including:
check‑ups
emergency care
X‑rays
extractions
fillings
crowns
dentures
NHS dental care is free if you:
are under 18
are under 19 and in full‑time education
meet NHS exemption rules
If you are not eligible for free care, you will pay a fixed NHS fee, which is cheaper than private treatment.
Some practices may not be taking new NHS patients.
You may need to:join a waiting list
choose a private appointment
Private dentist
Private dental care offers a wider range of treatments, including cosmetic options.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment (such as braces) is available on the NHS for people under 18 if clinical criteria are met.
Special needs dental care
Some dentists can treat people with special needs in their practice.
If not, they can refer you to a specialist dental service.Ask your dentist about referrals.
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The NHS recommends an eye test every 2 years.
You can book an appointment at any high‑street optician.
You can get a free NHS sight test if:
you are under 16
you are 16–18 and in full‑time education
you or your partner receive certain benefits
you are under 20 and depend on someone receiving benefits
you have a valid NHS exemption certificate
You may also receive a voucher to help pay for glasses.
Some opticians also offer hearing tests.
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Relationships can be confusing, and it can be hard to know what behaviour is healthy and respectful.
Disrespectful behaviour can be emotional, verbal, or physical.
It is not OK for someone to:
pressure you into sexual activity
ask for nude photos
make you feel scared, intimidated, or controlled
Having sex is a big decision.
If you do not feel ready or comfortable, you do not have to have sex.
A caring partner should respect your feelings and not pressure you.
Social media, music, or pornography can create pressure, but this should never be the reason to start having sex.
Sexual consent
The age of consent in England is 16.
Anyone under 13 cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
Consent means giving permission freely.
You can say no at any time.
If one person does not want to continue, the other must stop.
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Everyone’s body is different, and symptoms can change each month.
You may notice physical or emotional changes before or during your period, such as:
irritability or anger
poor concentration
low mood or anxiety
tiredness or sleep problems
bloating or tummy pain
tender breasts
nausea
headaches
spots or greasy hair
There are simple ways to make periods easier to manage.
More help:
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You do not always need to see your GP.
Other services can help.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists can advise on many minor health problems.
NHS 111
Call 111 if you need help now but are unsure what to do.
They can also let A&E know you are coming to help reduce waiting.
Minor injuries units and urgent treatment centres
These can treat many common problems and may be a better option than A&E.
Accident and Emergency (A&E)
Go to A&E if you need urgent care.
Take any regular medication with you.
Calling an ambulance (999)
Call 999 only in a life‑threatening emergency.
The call handler will ask questions and decide the safest help.
An ambulance may not always be sent.
Responders may arrive by:
ambulance
rapid response car or motorbike
cycle responder
More information:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-call-999/
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First aid is simple care given before help arrives.
It can save lives.
Try to:
learn basic first aid
know where your nearest defibrillator is
More information:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/first-aid/
British Red Cross wellbeing and first aid workshops
The British Red Cross offers free wellbeing and first aid workshops.
These can be:
online
face‑to‑face
They are informal and designed for young people and adults.
More information:
Red Cross
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There are two types of health cover you may apply for:
a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC)
a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC), if eligible
For most people, the UK GHIC replaces the old EHIC.
UK GHIC and UK EHIC cards are free.
Avoid unofficial sites that charge fees.