The AAA Screening Programme plays a crucial role in identifying individuals with abdominal aortic aneurysms, a condition where the body’s main blood vessel becomes enlarged and at risk of rupturing.
The aorta, the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body, runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. In some people, particularly men aged 65 and over, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can weaken over time, leading to the formation of an aneurysm. The condition can go unnoticed, often with no apparent symptoms or pain, making early detection key.
DBTH has been the trusted regional provider of the AAA Screening Programme since the it was rolled out in the area in 2013, marking a decade of this dedicated service this past February. Throughout this time, the hospital has consistently maintained a high performance against national screening standards and was among the first regional programmes to fully restore services following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following a robust procurement exercise, the recent successful bid ensures that the Trust will continue to serve as the provider of South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw’s AAA Screening Programme until October 2028. As a result, DBTH will continue to offer access to comprehensive AAA screening services, reinforcing the Trust’s dedication to early detection, intervention, and long-term health outcomes.
Alex Brown, DBTH’s AAA Screening Programme Manager, said: “We are thrilled that our contract for the AAA Screening Programme has been renewed. Our small yet dedicated team of 11 colleagues, including three members who have been with the programme since its inception, has been instrumental in our success. Around 1 in 100 men who are screened have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and we take great pride leading in this life saving detection service to support the health of our community.”
The AAA Screening Programme has been widely praised for its positive impact on patient outcomes, with numerous success stories of lives saved through early detection and appropriate intervention. By continuing this essential service, the Trust aims to further reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease within the local community.
Dr Jas Sawhney, Clinical Director for Medical Imaging, said: “The AAA Screening Programme is a tremendous service with the potential to save lives. Thank you to all our colleagues involved in running the programme, the team’s expertise, dedication, and compassion have been instrumental in its success thus far and will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals at risk. At DBTH, we remain committed to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services, such as the AAA Screening Programme, that positively impact our communities in South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire. I am delighted that we can continue to deliver this care with the renewed contract.”
In England, men aged over 65 are routinely offered a screening appointment at their local AAA screening clinic. The screening process involves a quick and pain-free ultrasound scan of the abdomen. Men are told their result straight away and their GP is also informed. If you are a man who is already over 65 and have not yet been invited for screening, you can self-refer to the programme by calling the team on 01709 649100.