MALDON men will be among those to benefit from a lifesaving wristband scheme being piloted in mid Essex.

The introduction of a wristband for men who have abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) could help save their lives in an emergency.

The wristbands, which are now being introduced to AAA patients across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust's hospitals - which includes Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford - were the idea of Southend Hospital healthcare assistant Leanne Turner.

She explained that she wanted her patients to get the help they need as quickly as possible.

Leanne added: "Time is of the essence with an aneurysm, so we wanted something simple that will alert emergency services to the potential problem if one of our patients collapses whilst they are awaiting surgery. Hopefully it gives patients peace of mind as well."

The simple wristband can be worn in the shower and is safe to wear during a CT scan, so there is no danger of patients taking it off and forgetting to put it on again.

One of the first people to get the wristband was George Millbank, 62.

He said: "You don't notice it is there as it's no different than wearing a watch. Should I collapse I know paramedics will be alerted to my condition straight away. It's a great idea and I think the more people who know about it the better."

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The NHS AAA screening programme is offered to all men during the year in which they turn 65.