What does this service provide?
Who we are
We are a community-based service providing ultrasound measurements of the aorta as part of the NHS’s free national Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening programme.
What we do
We provide ultrasound measurements of the aorta. The procedure is non-invasive, harmless, quick and results are given at your clinic appointment. Your GP will be notified of the outcome by letter.
Appointment information
Video transcript
Appointment types
All appointments are held face to face at one of our community-based clinics. We have venues across Sussex and try our best to book appointments in the patient's local area. We offer clinics across Sussex.
Details of where your appointment will take place can be found in your appointment letter. If you wish to reschedule your appointment, please contact the AAA Screening Office.
Who you'll see
You will see one of our screening technicians who will carry out the screening, explain what to expect from the procedure and answer any questions.
- if no aneurysm is found, you will be discharged from our service
- if a small aneurysm is found, you will be monitored on an annual basis
- if a medium aneurysm is found, you will be monitored every three months
- if your aneurysm grows to 5.5cm you will be referred to our Vascular Team to follow the surgical pathway
How can I access this service?
Men in their 65th year are routinely contacted via letter in the post by the screening programme and offered an appointment. The screening programme is provided with details of men registered at GP practices in the Sussex 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 by telephone, letter, or email details can be found in the ‘Where can I access this service’ section.
An appointment at a convenient time and location can then be arranged at one of our community-based clinics.
How can I contact this service?
Where can I find resources for this service?
Vascular Society Website – leading UK organisation promoting vascular health
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – NHS information on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
NHS AAA screening programme – publications explaining abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening
AAA Screening Professional Guidance – guidance for local NHS abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programme providers
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