Fetal Surveillance
Saint Mary's Hospital
Fetal Surveillance at Saint Mary's Hospital
The Fetal Surveillance programme at Saint Mary's Hospital provides observers and fellows with structured exposure to the assessment, monitoring and escalation of pregnancies where fetal wellbeing, growth, movement, placental function or maternal risk factors require closer review.
The programme is linked to Saint Mary's fetal medicine, maternal medicine, placenta and maternal and fetal health services across Oxford Road Campus and Wythenshawe Hospital. Observers and fellows will see how specialist obstetric teams work with midwives and wider multidisciplinary colleagues to assess fetal well-being, interpret surveillance findings and plan safe, individualised care.
Learning focuses on practical clinical decision-making in high-risk pregnancy, including fetal growth restriction, reduced or altered fetal movements, maternal medical complications, abnormal screening or ultrasound findings, and situations requiring coordinated antenatal, intrapartum and neonatal planning.
Fellowships and observerships at Manchester Specialist Health Academy provide international clinicians with structured opportunities to experience high quality healthcare training within a leading NHS environment. Both pathways offer consultant oversight, a clear induction, and access to modern clinical settings that support a strong understanding of advanced patient care. Participants are welcomed into a professional community that encourages learning, collaboration, and engagement with the culture of Manchester.
While fellows take part in more in depth clinical development, gaining exposure to subspecialties, procedures and research, observers focus on shadowing and understanding multidisciplinary practice within NHS services. Both groups benefit from involvement in clinics, team discussions, and wider learning activities such as simulation sessions, CPD opportunities, and quality improvement insight.
Academic contributions and awards
Relevant Saint Mary's and Manchester-linked academic activity includes
- Investigation and care of a small-for-gestational-age fetus and a growth restricted fetus: Green-top Guideline No. 31. BJOG, 2024.
- Fetal Growth Restriction: A Comprehensive Review of Major Guidelines. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, 2023.
- A prospective cohort study providing insights for markers of adverse pregnancy outcome in older mothers. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2021.
- Placental MRI and its application to fetal intervention. Prenatal Diagnosis, 2020.
- Maternal sildenafil for severe fetal growth restriction (STRIDER): a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 2018.
- Stillbirth is associated with perceived alterations in fetal activity: findings from an international case-control study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2017.
Rare and complex cases
- Severe early-onset fetal growth restriction and pregnancies requiring regular fetal and maternal surveillance.
- Placental dysfunction, abnormal Doppler findings, suspected fetal compromise or altered fetal movements.
- Complex multiple pregnancy, fetal anomaly, fetal cardiac, fetal neurological or surgical conditions requiring multidisciplinary input.
- Pregnancies complicated by diabetes, pre-eclampsia, lupus, renal, cardiac, haematological or other maternal medical conditions.
- Antenatal and intrapartum scenarios where surveillance findings inform escalation, counselling and timing or mode of birth.
Why Manchester?
Manchester is a city of innovation and progress, renowned as the world’s first industrial city and still leading in science, healthcare, and technology. With excellent transport links and a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, it offers an inclusive environment for learning and professional growth.
Beyond your placement, Manchester offers something for everyone - from watching the iconic Manchester derby to exploring world-class museums and galleries. With vibrant music, sport, and culture, the city truly has it all. Combining heritage and modernity, it creates a unique setting for personal enrichment and memorable experiences whilst you develop professionally.
Our signature programmes
Observership
Fetal Surveillance
Objectives
By the end of the placement, the visiting professional should be able to:
- Describe how fetal surveillance is used to identify, monitor and escalate pregnancies at increased risk.
- Recognise the contribution of ultrasound, Doppler assessment, fetal growth review and cardiotocography to fetal wellbeing assessment.
- Explain how fetal surveillance findings are considered alongside maternal history, clinical risk, symptoms and multidisciplinary advice.
- Observe communication approaches used to explain risk, uncertainty and care plans to women and families.
- Reflect on the role of governance, documentation and escalation in safe high-risk maternity care.
Eligibility
- The visiting professional must have sufficient English language skills to engage meaningfully in the observership.
Fellowship
Fetal Surveillance
Objectives
By the end of the placement, the visiting professional should be able to:
- Apply fetal surveillance principles to supervised clinical assessment, interpretation and care planning in high-risk pregnancy.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary discussions on fetal growth restriction, placental dysfunction, altered fetal movements and maternal medical risk.
- Develop confidence in supervised interpretation of surveillance information and appropriate escalation of concerns.
- Demonstrate structured communication with women, families and colleagues about fetal wellbeing, risk and next steps.
- Identify opportunities for audit, education, quality improvement or research relevant to fetal surveillance and perinatal safety.
Eligibility
- Postgraduate Qualification: Applicants must hold an overseas-recognised postgraduate medical qualification (MD, MS, Masters) in ophthalmology or a relevant specialty.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ recent experience in ophthalmology or a related specialty within the last 5 years, including at least 12 months of continuous practice before applying.
- Training Level: Equivalent to ST5 or above, or post-CCT clinicians seeking subspecialty exposure.
- Language Proficiency: IELTS Academic with 7.0 in each band and overall 7.5, or OET Medicine with Grade B in all domains, with certificate validity within 24 months.
- Registration: GMC registration is required for fellowship activity. Sponsorship support may be available through approved routes where appropriate.
- Applicants must not have failed PLAB exams previously.
- Visa sponsorship is only available through approved routes; self-funded visas outside agreed schemes are excluded.