The Sussex AAA Screening Programme is part of a national programme run by the NHS that offers free AAA screening to gentlemen aged 65 who are registered with a GP in Sussex. There is a cohort of approximately 9,500 men who will be offered an appointment during the financial year that they turn 65.
The aorta is the main blood vessel in the body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen. In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weakened. It can then start to expand and form what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The condition is most common in men aged 65 and over.
Men are approximately six times more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm than women. The chance of having an aneurysm increases with age. The risk of having an abdominal aortic aneurysm can also increase if you are a smoker, have hypertension (high blood pressure), or if your parent or sibling is being, or has been treated for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
The Trust provides a community-based service and the team do ultrasound measurements of the aorta. The procedure in non-invasive, harmless and quick and results are given at the clinic and GPs are notified of the outcome by letter. Appointments can easily be rearranged by contacting the screening office.
Brighton, Chichester, East Sussex, Hove and West Sussex.
Men in their 65th year are routinely contacted by the screening programme and offered an appointment. The screening programme is provided with details of men registered at GP practices in the area, and selection is based on date of birth. Older men who have not been screened before and who are registered with a GP in Sussex can self-refer by contacting the screening programme office (telephone, letter or email). A mutually convenient appointment at one of the community-based clinics can then be arranged.
AAA Screening Office
Durrington Health Centre
Durrington Lane
Worthing
West Sussex
BN13 2RX
Tel: 01903 843834
Email: SC-TR.sxaaascreening@nhs.net
Out of hours service: A phone message can be left on the answerphone number 01903 843834. You will be contacted on the next working day.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Clinics are held in several different locations across the counties of East Sussex (including Rye Hospital), West Sussex and Brighton & Hove. Generally, patients are invited to the screening venue closest to their registered GP surgery. However, this may not always be closest to their home address or their place of work.