CUMH to offer mid-trimester anomaly scan to all pregnant women

CORK University Maternity Hospital is confident it can offer pregnant women in the region timely access to foetal anomaly scans at the appropriate time of between 21 and 23 weeks gestation.

The announcement comes after the Maternity Directorate of the South/South West Hospital Group (S/SWHG) announced that all pregnant women will have equal access to the mid-Trimester scan.

Anomaly scans can detect some problems, such as spina bifida or a cleft lip, which will mean the baby may need treatment or surgery after they are born.

The Evening Echo had previously reported that pregnant women in Cork were expressing concerns at the delays in obtaining anomaly scans in CUMH.

The hospital began offering the service earlier this year which was seen as a positive step for maternal healthcare in the region.

However, they experienced delays with some women reporting they may not get their scan until they are 27 weeks pregnant.

UCC Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Clinical Director at CUMH, professor John Higgins, said the hospital is confident it can deliver.

“We are confident in our capacity to see pregnant women in CUMH for the mid-Trimester fetal anatomy scan at the appropriate time – between 21-23 weeks gestation.

“Initial teething issues with referrals and appointment times have been ironed out,” he explained.

“I wish to congratulate our midwife sonographers who have ensured that this service can be provided to all women.”

The S/SWHG Maternity Directorate operates four maternity units, including Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), alongside the maternity units in University Hospital Waterford (UHW), University Hospital Kerry (UHK) and South Tipperary General Hospital (STGH).