The service
GP Care is offering an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ("AAA") Screening service to private patients from a growing number of GP health centres in the wider Bristol area.
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the main artery which transports blood from the heart. Aneurysms can rupture when the artery becomes too enlarged, which can lead to death.
The statistics
National statistics suggest that circa 10,000 patients in the UK die as the result of an aortic aneurysm each year and many more have surgery to prevent rupture after the condition has been diagnosed. This roughly equates to 1 in 50 men dying from a ruptured AAA most of whom will be over 55 years of age.
Patients at risk
Any patient can access the service, however patients most at risk are considered to be from the following categories:
- Men over 55 years old;
- Patients with a family history of aneurysms;
- Smokers;
- Patients with high blood pressure, heart disease or vascular disease;
- Patients who have had a stroke.
What is involved in AAA screening?
AAA screening involves a painless and non invasive ultrasound scan by a specialist using latest ultrasound technology that provides images of organs and blood vessels within the body.
Patients attend one of our community based clinics where they will be scanned before receiving an immediate verbal and written report regarding their scan.
No preparation is necessary for the scan, however please be prepared to supply your GP's details if you would like a copy of the report to be sent to them.
The cost
The cost of the Service is £70 per patient for a 20 minute appointment.
Locations
The Service is now available from 5 locations within Bristol and South Gloucestershire as follows:
- Clifton Bristol - Whiteladies Health Centre, Whatley Road, Clifton, BS8 2PU
- Southmead, Bristol - Greenway Community Practice, Greystoke Avenue, Southmead, Bristol, BS10 6AF;
- Downend, South Gloucestershire - Christchurch Medical Centre, North Street, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5SG;
- Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire - Almondsbury Surgery, Lower Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4DS;
- Yate, South Gloucestershire - West Walk Surgery, Yate West Gate Centre, 21 West Walk, Yate, Bristol, BS37 4AX.
Further clinic locations will be available shortly.
Booking a scan
Patients can book a scan by calling GP Care on 0845 468 2102, and waiting times are typically less than one week.
Our dedicated service team is available Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm.
No preparation is necessary for the scan although you should bring your doctor’s details in order that reports can be sent directly to them should you so wish.
Further information
For a series of Frequently Asked Questions please click on the link. If you have any further questions then please call GP Care on the number above and ask for the Ultrasound Service Manager.
Download our Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Patient Leaflet.
Please note that we are not able to provide child minding services for children accompanying patients.
Please note that prices are inclusive of any VAT.
If you are not satisfied with any aspect of our service, please discuss this directly with the clinician or contact the relevant Service Manager by post at GP Care UK Limited, Christchurch Medical Centre, North Street, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5SG. Alternatively call us on 0117 9562100 or email us at info@gpcare.org.uk.
