Improving access to maternal care for women birthing in Counties Manukau
Holiday Closure Notice – Obstetric Ultrasound Referrals
Updated: 12 December 2025
Due to reduced community radiology capacity over the holiday period, referrals for obstetric ultrasound will be closed from Thursday, 18 December 2025, and will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026.
Community radiology providers will have limited availability during this time, and as a result, POAC is unable to accept or allocate obstetric ultrasound referrals.
Clinical Guidance During This Period
While referrals are closed, referrers will need to ensure:
An appropriate clinical management plan is in place for pregnant patients requiring assessment.
Inpatient ultrasound should be arranged where clinically indicated.
For urgent clinical concerns, please follow your usual acute pathways and liaise with hospital obstetric teams as needed.
We appreciate your understanding as we navigate the reduced service availability over the holiday period.
Wishing you a safe and happy festive season.
Women who are eligible for maternal health services and birthing within Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau can access funded co-payments for some of their obstetric ultrasound scans.
The voucher covers the entire pregnancy and may include funded growth and anatomy scans. Nuchal and dating scans are excluded, criteria apply.
Vouchers can be requested by the lead maternity carer. The voucher number (and Community Services Card where applicable) must be provided on the radiology request form when attending scheduled ultrasound appointments.
Coordination of clinically urgent (within 24-24 hours) ultrasounds can also be requested by submitting the referral below. These are reserved for women at high clinical risk of at risk of hospital admission.