GP scans quicken diagnosis

Dr Simon Brown, a partner at the Sandhurst Group Practice in Berkshire, said the use of ultrasound in primary care means that routine scans can be performed quickly by the GP, taking the pressure off hospital bookings. The practice is looking at providing a full service for DVT management and will be able to check bleeding in early pregnancy and fetal presentation near term.

Dr Brown commented: “If I see a patient bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy on a Friday night, the ability to scan and see the fetal heart beating – rather than keep her waiting for a Monday morning appointment at the hospital – makes the system worth it in itself.”