SoR responds to Daily Mail report on safety concerns over ‘souvenir’ baby scans

The Society of Radiographers has reiterated its competency guidance for carrying out ultrasound scans in private baby scan clinics following an article published by the Daily Mail.

A number of independent baby scanning services were highlighted where CQC assessments had indicated concerns, leading to closures or ongoing monitoring of performance.

The SoR guidance, Competencies for Ultrasound Practice in Private Baby Scan Clinics, was published in October 2022 and sets out the minimum expected level of competency for staff providing ultrasound examinations.

Charlotte Beardmore, the Society’s Executive Director of Professional Policy, said while some private ultrasound scans in pregnancy were for diagnostic purposes, others were to provide additional opportunities to see the fetus, have 2D and 3D images and/or videos, and to provide an opinion on the sex of the baby.

“The SoR’s view is that ‘souvenir scans’ should never replace routine ultrasound examinations that women should be receiving from NHS or independent maternity services as part of their antenatal care pathway. 

“The Society has published new guidance covering which competencies are needed to carry out diagnostic and souvenir scans, and these are the minimum expected level of competency that the SoR would expect for staff providing ultrasound examinations, in order to ensure the safety of women and pregnant people and their unborn children. We anticipate the CQC will refer to these standards and check that they are being met when inspecting services.”

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