Thursday 26 Jun 2008 @ 11:55
Scottish Government
Scottish Government
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First male-only health screening programme
A screening programme which should save the lives of at least 170 men each year is to be introduced in Scotland.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced recently that the screening - for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) - will be Scotland's first male only screening programme. It will cost £2.5 million to run each year.
Five million pounds will be invested over the next three years to support the introduction of the screening. Under the programme, which will start in 2011, all 65-year-old men will be offered an ultrasound scan to detect the potentially deadly killer. If an aneurysm is found, the patient will be referred for treatment or further surveillance.
For most men, only one scan is required. If the initial scan, at 65, is negative, that effectively rules out this life-threatening condition for the rest of that man's life.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a hidden killer which mainly affect older men, most of whom will be unaware that they have the condition.
"Sadly, the first sign of a problem for many men will be when the aneurysm ruptures and, by that time, it's often too late - despite the best efforts of our health service.
"But a simple 10-minute scan can detect the aneurysm, enabling treatment to begin and saving hundreds of lives each year. That's why the Scottish Government has decided to introduce a national screening programme - our first male only screening programme - which will start in 2011."
Ms Sturgeon made her announcement at the 2008 NHSScotland Event in Glasgow's SECC. Now in its second year, the conference brings together over 1,000 NHS staff - from frontline workers to senior management - to discuss a range of key issues and share best practice.
There will also be a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS in Scotland.
The main risk associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms is death from the rupture of the aneurysm. Up to 85 per cent of those who do rupture will die, despite access to emergency surgery.
Ultrasound scanning is used to measure the aorta and confirm whether treatment or further monitoring is required.
Only one scan is required - at 65 - which, if negative, effectively rules out this life-threatening condition for the rest of that man's life. If an aneurysm is found, regular surveillance scans should be undertaken within a screening programme to watch for enlargement and appropriate referral for treatment if required.
Men aged 65 will be invited for screening. Self-referral will be available for men aged 66-74.
A three-year pilot in NHS Highland and NHS Western isles started in 2001. This provided vital experience in how to screen for AAA in Scotland.
The NHSScotland Event runs from June 24-25. Delegates come from health boards throughout Scotland and represent all grades of staff.
Among the topics on the agenda are telehealth, the health promoting health service, sustainable remote and rural care and delivery through leadership. Delegates are expected to return to their health boards and share what they have learned with their colleagues.
Related Information
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced recently that the screening - for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) - will be Scotland's first male only screening programme. It will cost £2.5 million to run each year.
Five million pounds will be invested over the next three years to support the introduction of the screening. Under the programme, which will start in 2011, all 65-year-old men will be offered an ultrasound scan to detect the potentially deadly killer. If an aneurysm is found, the patient will be referred for treatment or further surveillance.
For most men, only one scan is required. If the initial scan, at 65, is negative, that effectively rules out this life-threatening condition for the rest of that man's life.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a hidden killer which mainly affect older men, most of whom will be unaware that they have the condition.
"Sadly, the first sign of a problem for many men will be when the aneurysm ruptures and, by that time, it's often too late - despite the best efforts of our health service.
"But a simple 10-minute scan can detect the aneurysm, enabling treatment to begin and saving hundreds of lives each year. That's why the Scottish Government has decided to introduce a national screening programme - our first male only screening programme - which will start in 2011."
Ms Sturgeon made her announcement at the 2008 NHSScotland Event in Glasgow's SECC. Now in its second year, the conference brings together over 1,000 NHS staff - from frontline workers to senior management - to discuss a range of key issues and share best practice.
There will also be a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS in Scotland.
The main risk associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms is death from the rupture of the aneurysm. Up to 85 per cent of those who do rupture will die, despite access to emergency surgery.
Ultrasound scanning is used to measure the aorta and confirm whether treatment or further monitoring is required.
Only one scan is required - at 65 - which, if negative, effectively rules out this life-threatening condition for the rest of that man's life. If an aneurysm is found, regular surveillance scans should be undertaken within a screening programme to watch for enlargement and appropriate referral for treatment if required.
Men aged 65 will be invited for screening. Self-referral will be available for men aged 66-74.
A three-year pilot in NHS Highland and NHS Western isles started in 2001. This provided vital experience in how to screen for AAA in Scotland.
The NHSScotland Event runs from June 24-25. Delegates come from health boards throughout Scotland and represent all grades of staff.
Among the topics on the agenda are telehealth, the health promoting health service, sustainable remote and rural care and delivery through leadership. Delegates are expected to return to their health boards and share what they have learned with their colleagues.
Related Information
