If you are 18 or older, you can make all your own health decisions.

If you are under 18, you can make decisions if your doctor or healthcare professional thinks you understand (this is called competence).

If you are 16 or older, you can:

• Collect your own prescriptions.
  
• Buy medicine from a pharmacy.
  

If you are under 16, you may be able to collect your prescriptions in some cases - ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can make a GP appointment at any age.

From 16 years old, you can:

• Decide if your parents can help with your appointments.
  
• Use GP online services (to book/cancel appointments, see test results and order medicine).

You can make a GP appointment at any age.

From 16 years old, you can:

• Decide if your parents can help with your appointments.
  
• Use GP online services (to book/cancel appointments, see test results and order medicine).

Yes! You can see a doctor or nurse without telling your parents.

If you do not want your parents to know, tell your doctor.

Doctors may encourage you to talk to your parents, if they think it is safe.

If they are worried about your safety, they may need to tell someone.

From 16 years old, you can:

• Buy medicines from a pharmacy.
  
• Collect your own prescriptions.
  

If you are under 16, you may sometimes be able to collect prescriptions - ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Yes! After 16 years old, it is your choice how much your parents or carers help you.

They can:

• Book your appointments if you say it is okay.
  
• Go to your appointments with you if you want.

Ask questions! If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Keep a list of your medicines, allergies, and any health conditions.

Know who to contact if you feel unwell (GP, NHS 111, pharmacy, or A&E for emergencies).

Look after your mental health! If you are feeling stressed or sad, talk to someone you trust or ask your GP for help.

If you have a learning disability and you are over 14 years of age, you can get a free Annual Health Check from your GP once a year.

This check helps to:

• Find any health problems early.
  
• Make sure you are getting the right care.
  
• Give you time to ask questions about your health.
  
• Help doctors and nurses understand what support you need.

You need to be on the learning disability register at your GP surgery.

If you are not sure, ask your GP to add you to the register.

Once on the register, your GP will invite you for a check every year.

Annual Health Checks are important because people with learning disabilities are more likely to have health conditions that need extra care. The check is a chance to talk about anything that worries you and to make sure you stay as healthy as possible.

The NHS website has other helpful information for young people and families on how to manage their own health.