Sylvia Lopez, who is 20 weeks pregnant, has already spent over 12 hours commuting to and from ultrasound appointments. Despite making numerous calls to imaging centers in London and nearby areas, she struggled to secure a slot. Eventually, she had to travel to Milton, Ontario, which is an hour and a half away for her appointment.
The shortage of sonographers in Ontario has led to growing waitlists, affecting many expecting mothers like Lopez. According to Tara Chegwin, the Director of Professional Affairs at Sonography Canada, the demand for ultrasounds has increased significantly, causing delays in scheduling appointments.
On average, ultrasound wait times in Ontario are around four weeks. The vacancy rate for sonographers in the province was 20% in 2024, contributing to these delays. However, obstetric ultrasounds are usually prioritized to ensure they are conducted within the specific timeframe required during pregnancy.
Expecting parents face immense pressure when trying to book ultrasounds as each appointment needs to align with crucial pregnancy milestones. Rebecca Kennedy Briand, a mother from London, expressed the stress and challenges of finding a sonographer after receiving a referral.
Efforts are being made to address the shortage of sonographers in the province, including international recruitment and the establishment of new educational programs. Despite the ongoing challenges, parents like Kennedy Briand emphasize the importance of being prepared to travel for appointments and managing expectations to reduce stress.
Lopez also acknowledges the difficulties but urges parents not to be too hard on themselves, emphasizing solidarity with others facing similar struggles. The Ministry of Health in a statement to CBC News highlighted initiatives to increase healthcare professionals in Ontario and reduce wait times, including facilitating the practice of medical sonographers from other Canadian jurisdictions.
