Patient information
FAQ
Why have I been sent an appointment?
All men in their 65th year are automatically sent an invitation to an appointment.
I've never been invited for screening. Can I book an appointment?
The programme has only been running for a few years, only men who turned 65 in that time will have been automatically invited. We encourage men over the age of 65 who have not been screened to contact us directly to self-refer into the programme.
Where will I be screened?
There are a number of screening venues across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire (see our screening locations page). Please be aware we may only visit some sites a few times per year.
Why am I not being seen at my own GP practice?
Unfortunately we cannot attend every GP practice as they may not be able to offer us clinic space. We scan around 11,000 men annually and our screening clinics are set up at a variety of locations to offer appointments across Thames Valley.
Can I change my appointment?
Yes, please call us. We cover a large geographical area at a number of venues. We can re-schedule your appointment if you are unable to attend. Clinics start at 9.40am and run until 4.00pm.
Can I be notified of my appointment by SMS?
Not at the moment. We unfortunately do not have access to patient phone numbers.
What will happen at the screening?
It is a pain-free ultrasound scan (the same process as a pregnant woman has); simply a little gel on your tummy and a probe runs over your tummy. We will normally tell you your result straight away and send a copy to your GP. The appointment should last no more than 10 minutes.
There are four possible results from the scan:
- Normal
Most men have a normal result. This means that the aorta is not enlarged (there is no aneurysm). No treatment or monitoring is needed afterwards. We will not invite you for AAA screening again.
- Small or Medium AAA
T
his means that the aorta is a little wider than normal. Aneurysms do not need treatment at this stage however you will be invited for regular monitoring scans as most AAAs grow slowly over time. You will also be offered an appointment with a Vascular Nurse Specialist.
- Large AAA
This means that the aorta is much wider than normal. Only about one in 100 men who are screened have a large aneurysm. Men found to have a large aneurysm will be invited to an appointment with a Vascular Consultant within two weeks to discuss treatment options.
I've had other scans recently, do I still need this?
Please contact us. Your other scans may not have covered the section of abdomen however we can arrange to check this.
Why aren't women screened?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms are six times more common in men than in women.
Find us and contact us
General enquiries / booking appointments
Programme Manager
Carla Goddard: carla.goddard@ouh.nhs.uk
Inpatient queries
- Ward 6A, John Radcliffe Hospital
- Sister: Karen Fenn
- Tel: 01865 221802