AQW 27145/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health to detail who is the regulatory body for sonographers.

Asked by Nuala McAllister MLA on 14 May 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
14 May 2025
Answer due by
30 May 2025
Answered
29 May 202515 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

There is no dedicated regulatory body for sonographers. The title ‘sonographer’ is not a protected title.

The current model in Northern Ireland is that ultrasound is within the scope of practice of a range of professions including obstetricians and gynaecologists who are regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC), Midwives who are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and radiographers who are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). There are no restrictions on someone trained in ultrasound/sonography using the job title ‘sonographer.’ However, a person is not statutorily registered as a sonographer.

Official sources