An AAA is a swelling of the main blood vessel in the body, the aorta, which can weaken and expand. There are no symptoms and if left untreated the swelling can lead to a rupture and a risk of death from internal bleeding.
Local men are encouraged to get in touch and make an appointment for the quick, easy and painless five minute ultrasound scan.
Michelle Keefe, 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 ruptured AAAs. As there are no signs and symptoms of the illness, it’s crucial that men aged 65 and over, take advantage of this free service.
“The scan itself is a very simple check of the abdomen which takes no longer than a few minutes. Results are given straight away which means you can spend the rest of your day enjoying the delights of Wentworth and its surrounding attractions.”
Men in their 65 year are invited for AAA screening by letter, but men over 65 who have not previously been screened can make an appointment by contacting the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw AAA Screening Programme on 01709 649100 or by emailing dbh-tr.dbhaaa@nhs.net.
Brendan McNamara, organiser of the event, said: “I want to encourage all men local to Wentworth, Thorpe Hesley and other surrounding areas to book an appointment for this clinic. We’ve held similar events in Harley recently and it’s just another way that us men can give ourselves a bit of an MOT and ensure we’re in good health.”
The clinic will take place on Friday 31 August at the Mechanic Insitute, Main Street, Wentworth, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S62 7TL. Please note, appointments must be booked beforehand. For more information on AAAs, visit the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw website at: http://aaa.dbh.nhs.uk/