Denise Mitchell
Question:44. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the availability of the detailed 20-week routine scans for pregnant women per hospital group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30511/16]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
44. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the availability of the detailed 20-week routine scans for pregnant women per hospital group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30511/16]
View answer67. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the options available for pregnant women who wish to access a mid-pregnancy scan in the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30513/16]
View answer78. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the availability of detailed 20-week routine scans for pregnant women; the details of hospitals where this scan is available; if the scan is used routinely or in exceptional cases; the way this scan is accessed by women, that is, by referral or on request; the reason 20 weeks scans are not available in all hospitals routinely; if this is due to staff and resources or staff training;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30499/16]
View answer86. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the availability of detailed 20 week routine scans for pregnant women per CHO area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30509/16]
View answer101. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the availability of the detailed 20 week routine scans for pregnant women on a hospital basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30502/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 67, 78, 86 and 101 together.
The HSE National Service Plan 2016 commits to the planning and development of equitable access to antenatal anomaly screening in all maternity units in the context of emerging maternity networks. In addition, the National Maternity Strategy is clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services. The Strategy will be implemented on a phased basis over the coming years.
The HSE has advised that while the availability of anomaly scans is not consistent around the country at present, where a woman requires a detailed scan, she can be clinically referred to a unit where the full service is available.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.