Aneurysm awareness event in Oldham

Patients in Greater Manchester are being invited to go along to a Public and Patient Awareness event focussing on the screening and treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and stomach.

Aneurysms can get larger over time and eventually rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding.

The condition affects one in 25 men aged 65-74 in England every year.

The event is being held in partnership with the Greater Manchester and East Cheshire Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the Oldham Event Centre at Oldham Athletic football stadium.

It is particularly aimed at males aged 65 and over.

However, pre and post-operative patients, carers and members of the public are all invited to attend.

The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the Greater Manchester and East Cheshire AAA screening programme and will offer reassurance, information on treatment options and highlight the importance of the Northern Care Alliance Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) Post-Operative Surveillance Programme. 

The forum is scheduled to run from 12.30 – 4.30pm and will include presentations from consultant vascular and endovascular surgeons, who will provide information about the Greater Manchester and East Cheshire AAA screening programme.

It will also include a range of healthy lifestyle information stands, an ultrasound screening demonstration and a Q&A session with the vascular team.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Directorate Manager for Critical Care and Vascular Services, Tammy Sutcliffe, said: “The event is an informal opportunity for patients and members of the public to share experiences, ask questions and to learn more about the process of living with an AAA.

"This event will give you a rare opportunity to meet the team and we welcome you to attend the event.”

Chair of the event, Mr Madan, Clinical Director for Vascular Services, highlights the importance of the AAA screening programmes.

He said: “One in 25 men in England, aged between 65-74 years have an Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm (AAA).

"Due to the risk of rupturing, this equates to a possible 6,000 deaths per year.

"Research shows that a simple ultrasound scan can reduce the death rate from ruptured AAAs by 50%.”

The Northern Care Alliance Vascular Team is a very busy department currently working across four hospital sites: North Manchester General, The Royal Oldham, Fairfield General and Rochdale Infirmary.

On average, the team performs over 75 AAA operations a year with excellent outcomes in saving and improving lives.

Anyone wishing to book a place on the event should contact Lisa Cooper on 0161 627 8869 or by e-mail at: lisa.cooper@pat.nhs.uk

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