Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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290. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing access to foetal anomaly scans to all pregnant women in 2018; the estimated cost involved in ensuring that sufficient ultrasound machines, additional ultrasonographers and foetal medicine consultants are available; the locations in which the additional services would be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40260/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that foetal anomaly scans are available in all Hospital Groups. Those hospitals/maternity units currently providing anomaly scans accept referrals from other maternity units, if requested. This occurs where the medical team in the referring maternity unit consider that an anomaly scan is clinically indicated.

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 and this work will be led by the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme. Indeed, the issue of anomaly scanning is a priority issue for the Programme and, accordingly, it will develop clinical guidance regarding routine detailed scans at 20 weeks. In the meantime, the Programme will continue to work with the six Hospital Groups to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those units with limited availability.

One of the current challenges to increase 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 developing a sustainable model that ensures that all women within each Hospital Group can access anomaly scans. In relation to the specific queries raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.