New ultrasound scanner for hospital

The new scanner is the first of its kind in Scotland

A hospital is to benefit from a new state-of-the-art ultrasound scanner which captures four-dimensional moving images of the foetus.

The hi-tech piece of equipment, the first to be used in Scotland, is being unveiled at the Queen Mother's Hospital at Yorkhill in Glasgow.

The scanner captures 4-D images of the moving foetus to give motion pictures of the unborn child.

The picture quality is similar to the hi-tech graphics on the latest computer games, according to medical staff who say it will improve their knowledge of unborn babies.

The quality and depth of detail obtained is incredible and will lead to major advances in early diagnosis

Dr Alan Cameron, consultant obstetrician

Dr Alan Cameron, consultant obstetrician at the hospital, said: "This new technology is a major breakthrough in ultrasound imaging.

"It will help us study the foetus in far greater detail than has ever been possible before.

"The quality and depth of detail obtained is incredible and we believe this will lead to major advances in the early diagnosis and treatment of the unborn child."

The 4-D scanner will be used to further investigate suspected abnormalities picked up during routine scans at the hospital.

It will be used for women who have been referred to The Queen Mother's Hospital from other parts of the country for a second opinion and will be able to check for malformations of the feet, hands and face due to its very detailed images.

The scanner catches 4-D moving images of the foetus

Staff also hope the 4-D scanner will aid the early diagnosis of other conditions such as spina bifida and foetal tumours.

The £150,000 scanner was bought with the help of a major fundraising drive by The Trades House of Glasgow.

George Horspool, the organisation's deacon convener, said: "Over the past 10 years the Trades House has assisted Yorkhill NHS Trust in the purchase of vital medical equipment.

"Our members were delighted to help fund this exciting new technology."

Trades House officials will join hospital staff at Yorkhill to unveil the new scanner on Monday.