12-Week Pregnancy Scan Delays 'Completely Unacceptable'

Delays in 12-week scans for expectant mothers has been described as "completely unacceptable".

Belfast Health Trust confirmed that there is now a four-week wait for patients to receive their 12-week pregnancy scans.

Responding to the news, Sinn Féin's West Belfast MLA, Órlaithí Flynn, said: "I am extremely concerned at the delays some women are experiencing in their 12-week scans.

"Expectant mothers need and deserve timely care to support both their child’s development and to ensure their own safety.

"They need reassurance during what can be one of the most stressful events of their lives.

"It is crucial that timely scans take place to determine a baby’s due date and development.

"It is clear that staffing problems coupled with the roll-out of the new digital patient record Encompass, have contributed to these delays and I would ask that the minister take action to assist trusts wherever possible."

Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA added: "Women should not be facing these unacceptable scan delays during the significant and anxious time at the early stages of pregnancy. "While I understand that Encompass should bring benefits and efficiencies in the long-term, we were assured that trusts were adequately prepared ahead of the roll-out. Delays such as those we are seeing in maternity services in the Belfast Trust would suggest otherwise.

"This news comes just weeks after the news of the new maternity hospital in the Belfast Trust being delayed due to the discovery of harmful bacteria in the water systems. That this has been able to develop after a similar occurrence in 2012 is extremely concerning.

"We do not want to see women choosing to use private services to ensure they receive the services they need during pregnancy. No one should feel forced to make this decision due to a lack of adequate services in the trust, and this also emphasises the risk of a two-tier health service, which has been increasing due to a lack of sufficient funding and staffing capacity over many years.

"These events highlight the urgent need for a plan for maternity services and a full Maternity Strategy from the Department of Health, and Alliance will continue to support the Royal College of Midwives in their work to secure this."