Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 March 2013
658. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if he will implement without delay the provision of an anomaly scan at 20 weeks' duration of pregnancy for all pregnant women as part of the routine ante-natal screening process in accordance with best international practice; if he will make this provision available in public maternity hospitals throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13063/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE's National Clinical Care Programmes provide a national, strategic and co-ordinated approach to a wide range of clinical services. They include the Clinical Care Programme in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the overall aim of which is to improve choices in women's healthcare. The key objectives of the programme, as with all the HSE's National Clinical Care Programmes, are based on the key metrics of quality, financial value, access and compliance. They include the development and implementation of national clinical guidelines, with the aim of ensuring consistency in clinical practice nationally. To date the Programme has published 20 guidelines, four are in process and a further 20 have been commissioned including clinical guidelines on ultrasound. These guidelines, when developed, will address the way in which such services should be provided.
