10.2 million ultrasound scans were performed in England in 2018/2019, including timely screening for congenital fetal abnormalities, and essential cancer diagnoses. Sonographers play an important role in health care, from ensuring your baby is growing and developing safely, to identifying tumours and screening patients at high risk of developing cancer.

Wuhan statistics reveal higher infection rates of C-19 amongst Sonographers than other clinicians. We are thought to be more vulnerable due to prolonged, close contact to patients. Current guidance suggests PPE is only required for suspected/confirmed C-19 however, Sonographers continue to work much less than 2 metres away from asymptomatic patients, who might also be infected and therefore unknowingly spreading the virus.

The Society and College of Radiographers has issued guidance which recommends the use of a surgical face mask for each scan session with asymptomatic patients, but this is not being enforced by Public Health England. Our essential services can’t stop during this pandemic, but without adequate PPE, we can’t protect ourselves or our patients from this deadly virus. Please sign our petition and help lobby the government to provide better PPE guidance and equipment for the ultrasound workforce.