Last week saw the first face-to-face National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (AAA) event since before the Covid-19 pandemic. The event at CRH was attended by men who are currently on surveillance for aneurysms, as well as men who have had their aneurysms repaired.

An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the blood vessel, which if unchecked can rupture (burst) and be fatal. There are no signs or symptoms, which is why the national screening programme was set up in 2009 - CHFT came on board in 2011. The programme is aimed at all men over 65. Any man who was older than 65 in 2011, can self-refer into the programme.

Clinical Director for AAA Screening, Anver Mahomed, and Consultant Vascular Interventional Radiologist, Hossam Elgebali, were on hand at the event to answer any questions, such as the next steps for when an aneurysm reaches the 5.5cm threshold. Explaining the various operations available. Vascular Nurse Specialist, Sharon Senior, gave out information regarding lifestyle, medication and the importance of checking blood pressure regularly.

The session was also attended by Screening Technicians, Christy Thomas and Louise Robertson as well as Screening Services Assistant Programme Manager, Nicola Vallance, who said: "The event was successful, well attended and provided a relaxed forum for men having undergone repair to share their experiences with those apprehensive and not knowing what to expect."

 This event covered the Calderdale region, but a future event is planned in September for men in Huddersfield.