The National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services, including anomaly scans. The Strategy will be implemented on a phased basis over the coming years and this work will be led by the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme. Last month, I was pleased to launch the Programme’s detailed Implementation Plan for the Strategy.
I am advised that anomaly scans are available in each hospital group. I am also advised that those maternity hospitals/units that currently provide anomaly scans accept referrals from other maternity units, if requested. This occurs where the medical team in the referring maternity unit consider that such a scan is clinically indicated. I am assured that the Programme will continue to work with the maternity networks to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those hospitals and units with limited availability.
In relation to University Hospital Galway, I understand that the maternity unit currently provides pregnant women with access to an anomaly scan. The HSE has advised that, while the hospital has experienced staffing changes in recent weeks, the anomaly scanning service remains in place. It has also advised that every effort is being made to recruit additional staff to support the anomaly scanning service into the future. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the detailed queries concerning the staffing complement, vacancies and recruitment process.
In conclusion, and in demonstration of the Government's commitment to improve maternity care, I can confirm that additional funding will be provided for anomaly scanning in 2018, the detail of which will be set out in the National Service Plan 2018.
