The Maternal Fetal Medicine Department seeks your help in purchasing a new ultrasound machine that will be used to diagnose fetal congenital problems (anomalies) with the heart, brain, limb, abdominal wall. With the best technology, many fetal problems may be diagnosed at the end of the first trimester (around 13 weeks). Previously, many problems were not diagnosed until 19 weeks. This machine is the most modern technology available and will improve early diagnosis. Early diagnosis is particularly important for heart abnormalities. Fetal heart abnormalities are common- they are the most common fetal problem, but need advanced ultrasound machines to diagnose early. Making an early diagnosis of a fetal problem means that parents have all the information early in the pregnancy about their unborn baby. This enables families to plan their pregnancy care and be emotionally and physically prepared for their new baby. Women and families can make sure they have all the right tests and care during the pregnancy and have their baby at the right place and right time with the right caregivers.  

The Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) provides an integrated multidisciplinary service for women experiencing a “high risk” pregnancy. We receive referrals for women with fetal anomalies from around NSW and have a number of fully accredited Maternal-Fetal Medicine subspecialists. We coordinate a broad multidisciplinary team that includes MFM subspecialists, obstetricians, midwives, neonatologists, neonatal surgeons (including specialised surgeons and cardiologists from Sydney Children’s Hospital), geneticists, genetic counsellors and others.  Frequently women will see a number of these staff for multiple consultations during their pregnancy; all covered by Medicare for both public and private patients.

For those with complicated pregnancies who are under the care of The Royal was the first to introduce a midwifery group practice team who coordinate care including plans for birth and the puerperium.  The Department has been chosen by NSW Health to be the New South Wales Fetal Therapy Centre and provides a NSW referral service for laser procedures for twin-twin transfusion syndrome as well as a number of other quaternary procedures such as in utero transfusions, fetal shunt placements. We are a teaching hospital and teach medical students, junior doctors, and midwives.

This machine will improve the care and accuracy of diagnosis we provide for women in our local health district, as well as women who are referred from around NSW.

Unit Price: $172,000

Quantity Needed: 1

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