A recent report by the Health and Disability Commissioner highlighted the significant impact of oversight by a sonographer and radiologist on the health of unborn babies. The incidents, occurring in 2021 and 2022, revealed missed opportunities that led to long-lasting consequences for the families involved.

In the first case, the sonographer and radiologist failed to identify signs of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) during ultrasounds of a fetus. This crucial oversight resulted in the necessity to remove the baby’s lung after birth, a procedure that could have been less invasive if the issue had been detected earlier. The Health and Disability Commissioner found several discrepancies in the quality of ultrasound images and labeling, indicating a failure to adhere to professional standards.

Similarly, in the second incident involving a twin pregnancy, the pair missed indications of renal agenesis despite multiple ultrasounds. Tragically, one of the twins passed away shortly after birth due to this undetected condition. The report emphasized the incomplete fetal anatomy imaging and the radiologist’s premature signing off of reports without thorough examination.

Following these incidents, the Health and Disability Commissioner referred the professionals to regulatory bodies for concerns regarding their competence. The delayed diagnoses had a profound impact on the families involved, highlighting the critical role of maintaining high standards in clinical practice during ultrasound scans. The radiology service has since implemented changes, including additional training and scan audits, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The cases underscore the importance of vigilance and adherence to guidelines in prenatal care to ensure early detection of developmental issues in fetuses. The failures in providing adequate care not only affected the immediate families but also had broader implications for their communities. The lessons learned from these tragic events serve as a reminder of the critical role sonographers and radiologists play in safeguarding the health and well-being of unborn babies and expectant mothers.