Ultrasound Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In these challenging times the SCoR and BMUS realise that sonographers are having to deal with managing the demands of providing a high quality service whilst protecting staff and patients, possibly with limited staffing and concerned patients.

This frequently asked questions document aims to help provide answers, where possible, or guide sonographers to relevant sources of current information. The information is changing on at least a daily basis, so it is important to review advice from Public Health England and other relevant bodies.

CAHPO Webinar // Supporting the sonography workforce and partners at all scans

On 16 December 2020 Suzanne Rastrick, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) for England, and Joanne Fillingham, Deputy CAHPO for England, held a webinar with the Society of Radiographers to discuss supporting the sonography workforce. Particularly, around inviting a support person to accompany those having maternity scans.

The webinar included:

• An overview of the new NHS England and NHS Improvement document ‘Supporting pregnant women using maternity services during the coronavirus pandemic: actions for NHS providers’.
• A case study of how one clinical department was able to safely enable access to a support person for ultrasound examinations
• Information on potential ways to mitigate risk to sonographers, patients and other service users (see Ultrasound FAQs, section 5.1).
• Support from the CAHPO and Deputy CAHPO for England

Questions from the webinar have been collated and answers have been provided in this document, which also includes a summary of the key points from the webinar.