A golf club in Sheffield is in a major of its own when it comes to the health of its male golfing enthusiasts, by hosting its first ever Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening clinic on 16 May 2017.
Among the first to tee off for AAA screening at Wortley Golf Club on Hermit Hill Lane was 74 year old, Club Secretary, Alan Hampshire, a keen golfer with the club for almost 60 years.
Alan said: “I have always been a strong believer in health screening programmes, so when I was contacted by the NHS Screening Communications Team regarding hosting a clinic, I jumped at the opportunity! On the day, the procedure was quick and painless; I was in and out within five minutes. I’ve been given the all clear which has given me peace of mind – I can get straight back out onto the golf course! I would recommend other clubs to get involved with AAA screening for the benefit of their members aged 65 and above.”
AAAs are most common in men aged 65 and over. It is a condition where the wall of the aorta, the main artery that runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen, becomes weak and starts to expand. If left unchecked the wall of the aorta can stretch until it gives way usually resulting in death.
There are no symptoms for AAAs and the only way to detect whether a person has an aneurysm is by having a simple 10 minute ultrasound scan. The scans are offered free for men 65 and over and are provided by the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw AAA Screening Team.
Michelle Keefe, AAA Screening Programme Coordinator for South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, said: “I am really pleased that we have had the opportunity to deliver an AAA clinic at Wortley Golf Club, a big thank you goes to Alan for helping to arrange the clinic. On the day, 23 men were screened all of which received the all clear – a fantastic result! The club has set a great example in which I hope other golf clubs and community groups across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw will follow.”
Men in their 65th year are automatically invited by post to attend a screening clinic 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.