NHS refused an ultrasound scan to a pensioner who died three days later

'WE WERE POWERLESS'  Pensioner, 79, died three days after being refused an ultrasound scan ‘that could have saved her life’

It was with great sadness that I read the article with the above title in yesterday's 'The Sun' newspaper. 

According to the article, Mrs Sledmere attended her local hospital in London with abdominal pain and doctor-diagnosed here with either gallstones or gastritis.

Unfortunately, she did not receive an ultrasound scan to confirm or exclude gallstones as they did not have any ultrasound scan appointments available at the time, and they sent her home where she died three days later from the perforated gallbladder.

Her worried husband Alan booked her for a private scan but the soonest appointment he could get being a day after she passed away.
A hospital investigation into her death has now concluded that 'an ultrasound scan may have given an opportunity to alter their outcome. 
In other words, if Shirley had an ultrasound scan it could have diagnosed gallstones and possible cholecystitis and with the appropriate management, she could still be alive today.

It is not of a surprise that the local NHS hospital could not offer an ultrasound scan as we are all very well aware of the challenges the NHS is facing. There is always a shortage that sonographers. The government and Mr Hunt, however, reassures us that there is nothing wrong with the NHS.
'After Alan wrote to the health secretary Jeremy Hunt to share his concerns, Mr Hunt said the availability of scanning ultrasound  machines was a decision for individual NHS trusts.'

It is most concerning however that the only private scan appointment that Mrs Sledmere could book was a day after she died.
In our private ultrasound scan clinic in Harley Street, London we are able to offer private scans on the same day or the day after.

Gallbladder problems and especially gallstones are very common and can affect both genders. The main symptoms of gallstones that can lead to cholecystitis are pain to the right upper abdomen after or maybe a few hours after fatty meals.
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder due to the existence of the gallstones. The pain can be so severe that my required attendance at accident and emergency.

If you have abdominal pains and you are looking for an Abdominal Scan at Sonoworld you have the choice of Booking an ultrasound Scan online using our automated booking system where you can choose the time and date most suitable to you. You can also call us direct and in most cases, we should be able to scan you on the same day.

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Private  Scans in London

Sonoworld provides competitively priced private scans in London so that you can achieve early diagnosis without the long NHS waiting lists. 

We are able to offer you:

• Same day ultrasound scan appointments.
• Easy to use online scan booking service where you can choose the best time and day suitable to you.
• Same time ultrasound scan report to take with you to your GP.
• Convenient central London location (Regents Park and Great Portland Street tube stations)
• Direct line to our Sonographers to answer any questions and not a call centre.
• You can take control of your health with our competitively priced private ultrasound scan examinations.
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Looking for a Private  Scan in London?

You are in the right place if you are looking for a private ultrasound scan in London. At Sonoworld Diagnostics, London we offer an extensive range of private ultrasound scans in a convenient central London location next to Harley Street.

We offer same day and out of hours private ultrasound scan appointments in days and times to suit your busy schedule.

Our consultant sonographers are very experienced in the field of medical ultrasound so you can rest assured that your health is in good hands. We use the latest ultrasound scan diagnostic equipment to increase diagnostic accuracy. Sonoworld Diagnostics has been providing ultrasound scan services to the NHS and private sector since 2012 and therefore is well established in the field of medical ultrasound.

At our ultrasound scan clinic in London, we are able to offer you ultrasound scans in a clean and comfortable environment without the wait associated with the ultrasound scans provided by the NHS.

Why choose us for your private London ultrasound scan?

Sonoworld Diagnostic Services is registered with the CQC and has been trusted by the NHS and private sector since 2012 to provide unparalleled diagnostic ultrasound scan services.  Our clients include healthcare professional such as GP’s and consultant radiologists. This is because our clients know that at Sonoworld will get the best ultrasound service with no compromise in diagnostic accuracy or the level of service.  

Who will perform my private ultrasound scan?

Your ultrasound scan will be performed by one of our knowledgeable consultant sonographers. All our sonographers are qualified to UK and USA ultrasound standards so you can be assured that there is no compromise on the diagnostic accuracy of your ultrasound scan.

How much are the private scans in Harley Street London?

The price you’ll pay for a private ultrasound scan will depend on the type of scan you want an appointment for. Our prices are competitive starting from as low as £99. There are no hidden extras and the price you see is the price you pay.

We offer the widest range of ultrasound scans in London.

We offer a full range of private ultrasound scans for women such as:

Pelvic scans

Breast scans

Upper and lower abdominal scans

Kidneys, ureters & bladder scans

Thyroid scans

Groin/Hernia scans

Our range of private ultrasound scans for men include:

Testicular ultrasound scans

Abdominal scans

Kidneys, ureters & prostate scans

Thyroid scans

Groin/hernia scans

We also offer musculoskeletal scans such as:

Shoulder scans

Elbow scans

Hands and wrists scans

Hip/Groin/Hernia scans

Knee scans

Ankle and Feet

Soft tissue lumps & bumps

We offer vascular ultrasound scans such as:

Carotid

Abdominal Aorta

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Venous insufficiency/Reflux scans