Carla Lockhart MP Urges Men Over 65 to Take Up Life-Saving NHS Screening

Carla Lockhart MP • April 2, 2025

Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, is urging men aged 65 and over to take advantage of the NHS screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), a potentially life-threatening condition that often has no symptoms. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart. While most aneurysms do not cause immediate problems, there is a serious risk that they could burst, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.

Speaking on the importance of screening, Carla Lockhart MP said: 


"Men aged 65 and over are at higher risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm, yet many will have no symptoms until it is too late. That is why this NHS screening programme is so important – a simple ultrasound scan could save your life. 


"In Northern Ireland, all men in their 65th year will receive an invitation for a screening test in the post. I urge everyone to take up this offer. For those over 65 who have not been screened, you can request an appointment by contacting the screening programme office on 028 9615 1212. Screening clinics are available across the country, making it easy to get checked." 


"I would encourage all eligible men to prioritise their health and take action. Early detection saves lives, and this quick and painless test could be the difference between life and death." 


For further information, call the screening programme office, speak to your GP, or visit [www.nidirect.gov.uk/aaa]

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the strong sense of community across the constituency following a series of local events, including a fundraising initiative at Banbridge Fire Station.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has announced a dedicated Town Centre Business Engagement Day as part of her ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and hearing directly from those operating in town centres. 
By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation that Portmore Street in Portadown is to be included in a resurfacing programme, following concerns raised with her by local residents.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 18, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, attended the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Tuesday, to support farmers and rural businesses, as a land-mark legal challenge got underway.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 16, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the announcement of additional UK Government support for households facing soaring heating oil costs, but has warned that Stormont must now act quickly to ensure the funding reaches families in need. 
By Carla Lockhart MP March 13, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the DAERA Minister’s plans to introduce an Independent Environmental Protection Agency in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 13, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged the Labour Government to support agriculture rather than powering ahead with inheritance tax reforms and other bureaucratic burdens that could threaten the future of family farms.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart and her colleagues in the Democratic Unionist Party have voted against legislation which they say risks undermining the long-standing right to trial by jury.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Churches and faith-based organisations across Northern Ireland are invited to attend the relaunch of an updated Church Funding Directory, hosted by Carla Lockhart MP, at the Oxford Island Discovery Centre on Thursday 19 March at 11:00am.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that Government plans to reopen proposals for Digital ID cards risk opening the door to increased state surveillance and represent a policy that the public clearly does not support.