FAQs
Q. I have seen my GP recently. Why do I need a Vascular Health Screen?
A. The Melbury Clinic Vascular Health Screen is not trying to replace your doctor. We are simply trying to provide you and your doctor with more information that can help you to reduce your risk for complications from vascular disease. The Vascular Health Screen is a self-refer service. We want you to work with your General Practitioner.
Q. Can my GP organise these tests for me on the NHS?
A. Your GP can organise tests for you if you have symptoms or he suspects you have a specific disease. However, the NHS does not currently offer preventive screenings of this type, although that may change. The Vascular Health Screen helps to identify risk for cardiovascular disease at an early enough stage so that you and your GP can begin preventive procedures, be it lifestyle changes or perhaps medication.
Q. I don’t have any symptoms. Why should I have a Vascular Health Screen?
A. Sadly, warning signs often come too late. More than half of those who suffer a stroke show no symptoms prior to the attack. Most people who have an abdominal aortic aneurysm also have no symptoms. The mortality rate of a ruptured AAA is greater than 80%, with the majority of people dieing before they reach hospital. The Vascular Health Screen can identify conditions before problem arise and help you reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and ruptured aneurysm.
Q What happens if a problem is identified?
A. When Mr Gajraj and Dr Kipling review your results and find an abnormality, you will receive the test results and a letter with the documentation will be sent to your family doctor. By detecting problems at an early stage, your doctor can advise on lifestyle changes and perhaps medication when they can be most effective. For some conditions, surgery may be required, but early detection may allow your doctor to start medical treatment and so avoid surgery all together. If a problem is identified, you can have it treated on the NHS even though you have had a private health screen.
Q. How can I be sure your tests are accurate?
A. Your ultrasound scans are performed by Wendy Parsons who is a fully trained ultrasonographer with many years experience in the NHS. The test results are reviewed by Mr Haroun Gajraj and Dr Roger Kipling. Both are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council and both have many years experience at Consultant level in the NHS. Your ECG and blood pressure measurements are performed by fully trained nurses (RGNs).
