Trust boosts scan capacity

Thursday 14 May 2026

The national shortage of sonographers has placed some pressure on the delivery of antenatal scans and in response, the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has introduced additional resources to ensure women are seen promptly and receive all routine tests.

Sarah Bailey, Interim Director of Midwifery said: “We want to reassure expectant mothers that we are working hard to manage scan capacity and providing additional resources to ensure they will receive their screening tests on time. If you are pregnant and have not yet received an appointment date for your scan, please contact our CAT team on  0118 322 8964 so we can support you and make the appropriate arrangements as soon as possible.”

Women are offered a scan between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy as part of the combined screening test, this screens for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome. A further Anomaly scan is offered between 18 and 20 weeks, helping to identify a wider range of conditions. See more information about pregnancy screening and scans here.