Councillors urge local men to attend life-saving AAA screening
Bassetlaw Councillors, Sue Shaw and David Pidwell, are urging men aged 65 and above to come along to a potentially life-saving clinic in November.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling of the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy. The disease often causes few or no obvious symptoms, and if left, the swelling can grow larger over time and could potentially rupture, which can be fatal.
Babatunde Fakolade, AAA Screening Programme Coordinator for South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, said: “In England and Wales there are approximately 3,000 deaths each year in men aged 65 and over from AAAs. As there are no signs and symptoms of the illness, it’s crucial that those of this age take advantage of this potentially life-saving scan.
“The test is a very simple ultrasound scan of the abdomen which takes just a few minutes and is completely painless and non-invasive. Results are given straight away, meaning you can pop in, be seen and enjoy the rest of your day.”
The clinic will take place on 28 November at Queens Building, Bassetlaw Council Offices. Please note that appointments must be booked beforehand by calling 01709 649100.
Councillor Pidwell, whom recently visited Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals for his AAA screening appointment, said: “I would recommend the screening to local men, it’s hugely important and potentially life-saving. The screening was quicker than I anticipated, I had been seen and had the results within 10 minutes of reporting to reception. The clinic was punctual, the procedure painless and non-intrusive and the entire thing couldn’t have gone more smoothly.”
Men in their 65th year are invited for AAA screening by letter, but if you’re over 65 and haven’t previously been screened, you can make an appointment by calling the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw AAA Screening Programme on 01709 649100; or pick up a self-referral pack from Queens Building reception in Worksop. For more information on AAAs, visit www.aaa.dbh.nhs.uk
