Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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299. To ask the Minister for Health when sonographers will be in place to provide anomaly scans at Cavan General Hospital; if he has set out a timeline for the provision of this scan on site at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41286/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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 & 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. 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 who are skilled in using these machines. 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 query regarding Cavan General Hospital, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.