Why have I been sent an appointment for screening?
Every year the Central Yorkshire AAA Screening Programme receives a list of all patients registered with a GP in our programme area who are registered as male and will reach 65 years of age between 1st April and 31st March. These are the two features that make you eligible for AAA Screening under the National AAA Screening Programme. We send appointments to all the men on the list and appointments will be spread over the course of the year and do not necessarily correlate with your 65th birthday (you may still be 64 when your appointment is made). Our job is to provide suitable clinics and the appropriate information in order for you to make an informed choice about screening and we hope that you choose to attend. We would respect your decision should you choose to decline the appointment but would ask that you let us know so that we know not to contact you again. You can also change or defer your appointment should the initial invitation be inconvenient. We screen at over 150 different locations across the Leeds and Wakefield area so we can offer alternative locations.
How long does the screening appointment last?
The average screening appointment last approximately 10 minutes, however this is dependent on the needs of the individual. Those who may require extra assistance will be given appropriately timed appointment slots.
What happens at the appointment?
You will receive a warm welcome from our trained screening technicians who will immediately make you feel at ease, and they will escort you to the screening room. One of the screening technicians will run through a basic check of your personal details to ensure that you are the correct person and once this is ascertained, they will then go through the consenting process with you. Once this is complete and you are happy to proceed, you will be asked to hop up onto a screening examination couch and raise your shirt to the chest area. The screening technician will again check your details and that you are happy to proceed. If so, a small amount of gel will be applied to the mid-line of the abdomen and the screening technician will then scan this area. A minimum of 2 images will be taken and these will then be uploaded to your record at the end of the screening day when the screening technicians return to Seacroft Hospital. You will be given your results at the end of your screening examination.
I have a health condition, can I still be screened?
The Programme is not given any information about your medical history and our invitation is sent to you based upon the criteria already noted above (although some GP surgeries may advise us in advance if a patient has other medical issues). To be screened you need to be able to understand and consent for the screening to take place. Attendance alone is not deemed as consent. You also need to be able to climb on to the couch independently and be able to lie flat. Should you have difficulties with any of this, please contact us as we will be able to offer advice or a suitable alternative.
I have had previous investigations/tests, do I still need to be screened?
Unless you have already been treated for an aortic aneurysm, we would recommend attending your appointment to ensure your aorta has been appropriately investigated. If you have had a scan arranged privately, you can also take up the offer of a NHS scan as your results will not form part of national data if found through private screening. If you have been or currently are under the care of the Vascular Team, please let us know and we can address this appropriately.
When will I know the results of the scan?
All patients will be made aware of the result of their screening appointment at the end of the investigation. A letter will also be sent to your GP advising them of the outcome.
Can my wife be screened at the same time?
No. The National Screening Programme is limited to men aged 65 and over as the research indicates it is this demographic where aneurysms are most common. Women with family history or other concerns can discuss this with their GP who can refer them for a scan if appropriate.
What if I don’t want to be screened?
Although we recommend screening, we will respect your decision if you feel this is not for you. However, please let us know so that we know not to send you further appointments. We will also advise your GP that you have declined screening.
What happens if I have an AAA?
Most patients will have an aortic measurement of 2.9cms or less and therefore will be discharged from the screening programme as this measurement is classed as within the normal parameters. Should an AAA be detected (larger than 3.0cms), you will be offered regular appointments to monitor any growth and you will also be given an appointment to meet with our vascular nurse specialists. If the aneurysm is sufficiently large, you will be referred to a consultant vascular surgeon at the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI). The vascular team at the LGI will arrange further tests and assess your suitability for treatment.
How do I contact you?
You can call us on 0113 2063640. The phone is usually answered between 9.00 to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday (an answerphone facility is available outside of these hours). Alternatively, you can e-mail us at [email protected]
Where can I find more information?
More information about AAA screening can be found on our homepage as well as the NHS website, or by contacting us. Information leaflets are available in other languages and an easy read format on the gov.uk website or upon request.
Where do you hold the screening clinics?
We hold screening clinics in over 150 screening locations throughout our programme area and we have at least 1 screening site in virtually every postcode area. We screen in primarily GP surgeries; however, we do have access to 7 hospital sites as well.