A sonographer is a medical professional who uses ultrasound imaging equipment to scan and capture images of different parts of the body. For example, during pregnancy, a sonographer can perform an ultrasound scan on the mother’s tummy to check on her baby’s development.
As the demand for ultrasound scans continues to rise, we’re seeing more and more people enter this field and offer private baby scan experiences at competitive prices. Unfortunately, not all of these people are appropriately trained or registered to carry out ultrasound scans. This can result in heartbreaking outcomes for expectant parents who pay for a private scan and get terrible low-grade images, or worse, the sonographer misses important information regarding their baby’s health.
Are First Encounters’ Sonographers Registered?
Here at First Encounters, all of our sonographers are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, the regulator for health professionals throughout the UK. In order to become registered with the HCPC, prospective sonographers must meet the Council’s standards for training, behaviour, health, hygiene and professional skills.
We only employ registered healthcare professionals who are qualified in sonography and have many years of experience carrying out obstetric ultrasounds in the NHS and/or the private sector. Sadly, many of the 4D ultrasound scan packages currently on the market are NOT carried out by registered healthcare professionals, which means potential complications with your pregnancy could go undetected and other dangerous mistakes could be made.
Does Wales Have Different Regulations?
The Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) does not currently regulate diagnostic and screening activities in Wales in the same way that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) does in England. Although we are based in Wales, not England, it is our policy to ensure that all of our scans conform to the very highest industry standards.
This means that if you visit our ultrasound clinic in Cardiff, you can expect every part of your scan experience to reflect the standards enforced by the CQC in England.
So don’t be taken in by the new, unregistered ultrasound clinics that are popping up all over the UK. Instead, find a clinic you can trust—one that has you and your baby’s best interests in mind. Contact First Encounters today or use the link below to book your pregnancy scan.
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