Screening Programmes

HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAMMES IN SCOTLAND

Population screening programmes identify apparently healthy people who may be at increased risk of a disease or condition. Once identified these people can get earlier treatment. Invitation for screening are sent by post. If you have missed screening please phone the numbers given below.

Useful information about each of the screening programmes can be found on the NHS Health Scotland website (http://www.healthscotland.com/screening.aspx. Each test is explained and figures given on how many lives can be saved annually by the screening programmes. Leaflets for any of teh screening programmes can be requested by phoning 0131 314 5300.

Breast Screening

Women aged 50 to 70 years old are invited for screening by a breast X-Ray (mammogram) every three years. Women over 70 years old are able to attend by self-referral.                 Tel 01463 705416. The mobile unit is due in Brora in October 2019.

Bowel Screening

Men and women aged between 50 and 74 are invited every two years. Screening involves submitting three small poo samples on a card. People aged 75 and over can still take a bowel screening test every two years by requesting a kit from Scottish Bowel Screening Centre. Tel 08000 121 833 or bowelscreening.tayside@nhs.net

Cervical Screening

For women, every three years from age 25 and every five years from age 50 to 64, by a smear test in either Brora or Helmsdale surgeries. If you are overdue a smear please don’t wait for your next letter – please arrange an appointment in the surgery with the practice nurse. Tel 01408 621320 or 01431 821225. For general enquiries please call 0800 224488.

Abdominal aortic aneurism screening

Men in their 65th year are invited to have an ultrasound of their abdomen at the Lawson Memorial Hospital in Golspie to screen for the presence of an aneurism to allow intervention to avoid it rupturing. Men aged over 65 who have never been screened can request screening. Tel 01463 704067

Diabetic retinopathy screening

Everyone aged over 12 with diabetes is invited annually. A digital retinal photography is taken to screen for damage to the back of the eye at an early stage so treatment can be offered to reduce or prevent damage to vision. The team visit the Lawson Memorial Hospital in Golspie approximately every three months so you can arrange an appointment if you have missed one. Tel 0800 5877 198

 

 

Pregnancy Screening

Screening tests are offered to all pregnant women to assess the “chance” of you or your baby having a particular health problem or disability. These are usually simple tests (for example a blood test, ultrasound scan or questionnaire). They do not provide a definite diagnosis but help you and your midwife decide whether you need further tests to make a diagnosis. For more information please speak to your midwife of visit http://www.healthscotland.com/screening.aspx.

Newborn Screening

All babies are offered screening tests to ensure that if they do have a problem, this is picked up and treatment can be started as soon as possible. These newborn screening tests are done in the first few weeks of life.



    • Physical examination within 72 hours and again at 6-8 weeks

    • Heel prick test (around day 5) to screen for phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiaency and sickle cell disorder

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