Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 39 together.

I thank Deputies Tory and Barry for their questions. I accept that the provision of anomaly scanning is not uniform throughout the country. However, we are working to address this. I want to assure Deputy Troy of that. The national maternity strategy is very 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 - I have just published the first implementation plan - and this work will be led by the HSE national women and infants health programme. This is a specific programme office within the HSE very similar to the way we delivered improvements in cancer services in the past. Last month, I was pleased to launch the programme’s detailed implementation plan.

I am advised that anomaly scans are available in each hospital group, as distinct from each hospital. I am also advised that those maternity hospitals and units which currently provide anomaly scans accept referrals from other maternity units. This occurs where the medical team in the referring maternity unit considers that such a scan is clinically indicated. I am informed that the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar provides anomaly scans to women when clinically indicated to do so.

One of the current challenges to increasing access to anomaly scans is the recruitment of ultrasonographers. In this context, it is expected that the establishment of maternity networks across hospital groups will assist in the development of a sustainable model that ensures all women can have access to anomaly scans routinely. They are already happening where clinically indicated. I think what the Deputy is asking me is when they will be available routinely for all women. I am assured that the programme will continue to work with the maternity networks to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those maternity units that currently have limited availability. The additional funding that will be provided for anomaly scanning in 2018 will be set out in detail in the national service plan, which I hope to publish in the coming weeks. I assure the Deputy in the interests of clarity that specific funding will be provided for the recruitment of additional ultrasonographers in 2018. The exact details will be outlined. I expect, and the national women and infants health programme expects, that we will have more sonographers working in our health service next year. That should enable us to further increase provision beyond just where clinically indicated and to offer anomaly scans on a routine basis. I will keep in touch with the Deputy as the service plan details become apparent.

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