A new campaign to try and improve men’s health is being launched in Huddersfield.
Free screenings will take place to try prevent a ‘potentially fatal’ condition.
Men over 65 have been encouraged to attend 10-minute ultrasound scans by Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust at the John Smith’s Stadium between 9am and 3.30pm on June 25 and July 30 to check if they are at risk of developing an aneurysm in their abdomens.
Called Aortic Abdominal Aneurysms, they prove fatal in 85% of cases.
Health officials are pointing to the success story of patient William Daibell, from Deighton, Huddersfield, who referred himself for an AAA screening.
He was found to have a large Aneurysm and was transferred straight to hospital where he had lifesaving surgery.
Mr Daibell is now on the road to recovery and is keen to express his gratitude to the team who helped him.
Mr Daibell said: “The scan has saved my life. I feel like I have been given a second chance, so I have given up smoking too.
“I just think that if those people did so much to save me, the least I could do is look after myself.”
Screening Technician Kirsty Blackburn said: “After treating Mr Daibell, a ‘chain reaction’ began. His friends and family saw the life-changing effects
then screening had on him and now they have since been tested too.”
The tests are available to be booked by those who have not already had a scan, have not had surgery on the aorta, are male and aged over 65 and are registered with a GP in Huddersfield, Calderdale, Bradford, Airedale or Craven.
To arrange a scan you simply need to obtain your NHS number from their GP and then contact the West Yorkshire AAA Screening Programme at 01422 224204.
