Expectant mothers get clearer picture of their babies

State-of-the-art 4D ultrasound technology has started being used regularly at Mater Dei Hospital, allowing expectant parents to see very clear pictures of their baby. The equipment is used as a diagnostic tool to gives experts very clear pictures of the baby, ultrasonographer Romain Muscat Baron explained.

Mr Muscat Baron (video above) said that studies have shown the images also help parents bond with the baby. For expectant mother Claudette Gatt and her partner James Ryder seeing the images of their 30-week baby was an amazing experience which made them look forward to the birth even more. Cynthia Busuttil reports.

Comments

louis grech (on 31/8/08)

It is unfortunate that 'unknown fathers' cannot have a look as well. We tax payers should get a clearer picture of this increasing trend........

J Borg (on 31/8/08)

I agree with what other correspondents have said. A relative has submitted a form for an appt for a mammogram a year ago! To date no appt has been set. And don't tell me it can't be urgent. Such tests are necessary on a regular basis ensuring that things don't become urgent! Ghalxejn wara noqoghdu nibku fuq il- mejjet as the saying goes in Maltese.

Stephen Sultana (on 30/8/08)

It is nice of having such technologies in our Mater Dejn hospital but what I cannot understand is why the Government still hasn't taken action so as to improve the service towards the Maltese patients when using the State of the Art hosipital! Mind you, having an Emergency case, and ending up waiting painfully for 5 or 6 hours until your name is finally called, I think it is not a joke! And what about the never ending waiting lists of patients queing up for operations?? There is a TOTAL mismanagement and priorities are never tackled.

Joseph Schembri (on 30/8/08)

Remarkable technology! I would have liked to have had it available a few years ago for my family's use... but there you go. Meanwhile I can't help thinking that this is little more than a toy so that we can take yet another picture of our babies. My thoughts are further reinforced by what Joe Psaila Savona (MD, if I'm not mistaken) said below.

Joe Psaila Savona (on 30/8/08)

Yet another plus for Mater Dei. But honestly I would have preferred a few more average ultrasounds and ultrasonographers otherwise occupied to cut down on the waiting list of patients requiring standard diagnostic procedures instead .
Referring patients to hospital has become a nightmare ! that is seriously impeding day to day management of even v simple cases.

josephine cachia (on 29/8/08)

This was already in private hospital ,Good news to have it at mater dei.Please tell mothers that this does not show Down Syndrome .IF not 100% do not give high hopes.,it will hurt double.

Karl Abela (on 29/8/08)

It is very sad to note that such a positive report lacks messages of praise, whilst on other less glamorous issued on this website people go out of their way to slam the government.

Well done to the authorities for such an investment, the likes of which is probably making foreigners green with envy!