UK Sonographers Shortage Causes Ultrasound Scan Delays

0:00On March 28, pregnant women and cancer patients in the U.K. are waiting longer for crucial ultrasound scans because of a serious shortage of sonographers and England about one in four job positions sits empty with even bigger gaps in the northwest and southeast regions. These scans happen around 12 weeks and 20 weeks into pregnancy to check baby growth in spot issues with the heart, brain or spine. They're also key for diagnosing cancers and examining organs like the liver and kidneys, the rising demand means hospitals can't keep up. Experts from the Society of Radiographers say the lack of staff hits urgent scans hardest, leaving moms to be anxious and sometimes forcing hospitals. To shuffle workers from other departments, doctors note more complex pregnancies are adding to the strain. A recent survey shows vacancies have doubled to 24% in England since 2019, with shortages spreading across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland too. Having new sonographers takes years, so fixes won't come quick.

1:01The government acknowledges the pressure and is rolling out community diagnostic centers to ease hospital loads and speed of care. Until staffing ramps up though, these delays keep putting patients at risk.