West Hertfordshire

Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer, but when it is detected early, treatment is often more effective. The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme aims to identify lung cancer at an earlier stage, often before symptoms develop, helping improve outcomes for patients.

The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is designed to identify early-stage lung cancer in high-risk populations by offering low-dose CT scans to individuals aged 55–74 who are current or former smokers, with the aim of improving early detection and patient outcomes.

The West Hertfordshire programme will cover GP surgeries across the South & West Hertfordshire catchment area. The Lung Cancer Screening team will consist of screening nurses, a programme coordinator, a responsible assessor, responsible radiologist, Clinical Lead and an administrative team who will oversee patient invitation, booking, pathway coordination, and data management to support safe and effective delivery of the service. 

What to expect

If you are eligible, you will receive a letter or text message inviting you for an initial Lung Health Check. You may feel well and have no symptoms when you receive an invitation. The purpose of screening is to identify potential problems early, before symptoms develop.

The initial assessment will take place over the phone with a health professional. During the initial Lung Health Check, you will be asked some questions about your breathing, overall lung health, lifestyle and family and medical history.

There are three possible results from your lung health check:

  • No problems found – the health professional may find nothing further to investigate and you will be discharged from the lung health check programme until a future date when the program will next be available in your area. We will write to your GP to tell them this.
  • Referral to other specialised care or your GP – if problems with your breathing or lung health are found, you might be referred for other specialised care or to your GP. The team will write to your GP so they know about the outcome.
  • Offered a scan of your lungs – If you are assessed to be at a higher risk of lung cancer now or in the future you will be offered a scan of your lungs (a Low Dose CT scan). 

As part of the Lung Health Check, participants who currently smoke will be offered information and support to help them stop smoking, improving overall lung health and wellbeing.

GP practices involved

The programme will be delivered across 49 GP practices in South and West Hertfordshire and will be rolled out in phases across the region.

The West Hertfordshire Lung Cancer Screening Programme covers South and West Hertfordshire, including St Albans (AL1, AL3), London Colney (AL2), Harpenden (AL5), Potters Bar (EN6), Hemel Hempstead (HP1, HP2, HP3), Tring (HP23), Berkhamsted (HP4), Watford (WD17, WD18, WD19, WD24), Bushey (WD23), Rickmansworth (WD3), Kings Langley (WD4), Abbots Langley (WD5), Borehamwood (WD6) and Radlett (WD7). Eligible residents registered with participating GP practices within these areas may be invited to take part in the programme.

Meet the team

  • Rahul Mogal – Lead Clinician
  • Jas Singh – Responsible Radiologist
  • Suraj Kumar – Senior Responsible Assessor Nurse & Team lead 
  • Tobias Abonyo – Lung Screening Practitioner & Deputy RA
  • Anna Agojo – Lung Screening Practitioner
  • Mercy Paduthottu – Lung Screening Practitioner
  • Florence Ndikanwu – MDT Co-Ordinator
  • Sajith Joseph – Admin
  • Oluwatosin Ogunleye – Admin

Location and Contact Details

Lung Cancer Screening Programme team

The Lung Cancer Screening Programme will be based at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.

Address:

Hillfield Road,
Hemel Hempstead,
HP2 4AD

Scanning services will be delivered via a mobile CT unit, which will operate from various locations across South & West Hertfordshire at different times throughout the programme. Patients will be informed of the relevant scanning location and appointment details when their scan is booked.

Smoking Cessation Support

Stopping smoking is the single most important step you can take to improve your lung health and reduce your risk of developing lung cancer and other smoking-related illnesses. As part of the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, we strongly encourage all current smokers to access stop smoking support. Quitting smoking at any age has significant health benefits, and support is available to help you succeed.

Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service

You can refer yourself directly to the Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service:

Phone number:
01442 453071
Freephone:
0800 389 3998
Email:
[email protected]

Relevant resources

Useful links