Counties Manukau Urgent Obstetric Scan Request

OBSTETRIC RADIOLOGY REQUEST - URGENT
HOLIDAY PERIOD CLOSURE

Referrals will be unavailable from 18 December 2025 and re-open 5 January 2026
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.
- Complete this form to request clinically urgent scans required within 24-48 hours of assessment. Routine ultrasounds should be arranged in the normal way to ensure those in high clinical need are prioritised.
- By completing this form the referrer confirms that the referred is eligible for maternity health services under Section 88, and is scheduled to birth in a Counties Manukau facility.
The following scan types are excluded, book community scan directly with provider:
- Suspected miscarriage
- Dating scans / viability (pre-20 weeks)
Date*

DayMonthYear
HourMinutesAM/PM Option
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Ectopic pregnancy high-risk cases MUST be scanned the same day as an acute presentation. If a same-day scan cannot be arranged, the patient must be referred to the Emergency Department for assessment. In cases of low suspicion or non-acute presentations requiring early pregnancy scans, monitor HCG levels and arrange a routine obstetric ultrasound. All cases should be discussed with the on-call SMO to ensure appropriate management and follow-up. This form should not be used on weekends, as ultrasound services are unavailable.

To refer now, click HERE
Clinical reason for urgent scan within 48 hours*
Clinical reason for urgent scan (clinically required within 24-48 hours). Note these requests undergo period audit for quality improvement purposes and to ensure priority is given to clinically appropriate cases.
I confirm that this patient would otherwise require acute hospital admission*

Yes, I would admit acutelyNo, acute admission is not required.
EDD*

DayMonthYear
Date
Weeks gestation *
(WW.D)
Scan type*
Anatomy urgent scans only funded as per criteria as per below. Anatomy scans involve a longer appointment and usually require travel to central city location.
Name of endorsing SMO*
Clinical information*
Referrer designation*

LMC/MidwifeGeneral PracticeMiddlemore Secondary ServicesOther
Referring clinician*
Registration number*
Referring practice/organisation*
Practice / Hospital
Referrer phone contact*
Mobile phone is preferred
Referrer email*
to receive copy of submission and direct contact for queries or feedback
LMC/Midwife name (if different to referrer)
Patient NHI*
Date of birth*

DayMonthYear
Date
Patient name*

First NameLast Name
Patient phone number*
Patient address*
Ethnicity*
Weeks gestation at time of referral*
Provider payment*

Patient can self-fundUnable to self-fund, co-payment will be fully funded by POAC
Funding voucher number (growth scans or anatomy with CSC)*
If this is not available at time of submission, please ensure it is emailed to avoid patient being charged
If not already completed you can request a co-payment funding voucher here
Criteria for anatomy

Community Services Card Holder (number to be provided at appointment)18 years or underNo CSC but at high needs, at risk of negative outcomeMultiples pregnancySpecial approval Te Whatu Ora Maternity Service Manager
Previous scans completed at the following radiology provider(s)
Additional information

Taxi chit has been providedTaxi chit available upon requestPatient is available at short noticeNo childcare or work barriers to considerOther
Additional notes including access barriers, transport requirements.
Please note the following important information:

- Due to high demand, appointments may not be available within the usual 48-hour timeframe. If there is a high clinical risk requiring prioritisation, please email us at referral@poac.co.nz with relevant details so we can review accordingly.

- Travel outside the local area is often required. Please ensure this has been clearly communicated to the patient. If necessary, consider arranging a taxi chit to support access.
POAC Office Use

Booking details and comments
Radiology provider name
Appointment date and time

DayMonthYear
DateHourMinutesAM/PM Option
Radiology email
POAC Admin Notes
Status of referral (POAC internal use)

ApprovedDeclined, not eligibleOther
Unable to proceed:

Unfortunately, this referral is not eligible for a POAC-coordinated ultrasound. Please refer to a community radiology provider in a routine manner.
Should be Empty:

OBSTETRIC RADIOLOGY REQUEST - URGENT

HOLIDAY PERIOD CLOSURE

POAC Office Use