Diagnostic capacity continues to be strengthened at St. Vincent de Paul with a specialized musculoskeletal ultrasound service
The Diagnostic Imaging Unit at St. Vincent de Paul continued to strengthen its diagnostic services through the introduction of a third ultrasound machine, this time specialized in the musculoskeletal field, with an investment of €85,000.
This service will be provided to both residents of St. Vincent de Paul as well as to patients over 60 years of age who live in the community or in Nursing Homes.
During a visit to St. Vincent de Paul, Parliamentary Secretary for Active Aging Deo Debattista said that this investment is another step towards making more health services accessible to the elderly, while continuing to strengthen the capacity of the health system. “When we invest in new technology, our goal is not the machine itself, but what we can offer the patient through it. More services closer to our elderly means less waste, more efficient diagnosis and, above all, care that continues to improve their quality of life,” said Parliamentary Secretary Debattista.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive, radiation-free method used to examine muscles, ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues. Through real-time imaging, specialists are able to better evaluate these structures, facilitating more accurate diagnosis of injuries, inflammation, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
The technology can also be used to more precisely guide certain medical interventions, including the administration of therapeutic injections, thus helping to provide the patient with more targeted and safer treatment.
The introduction of this service further expands the range of diagnostic examinations offered by the Diagnostic Imaging Unit at St. Vincent de Paul, which already includes MRI, CT Scan, X-Ray, Fluoroscopy and Bone Density.
In addition to the ultrasound service, in order to continue offering a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination service, interventional procedures using CT scans have also begun. These are performed by a specialist consultant, through an investment in a CT image-guided intervention package, which allows these procedures to be performed in a more precise and safe manner.
Parliamentary Secretary Debattista stated that strengthening services at St. Vincent de Paul would also help ensure that certain examinations that were traditionally carried out at Mater Dei could be carried out at St. Vincent de Paul. This would lead to a more accessible service for patients, while continuing to increase diagnostic capacity in the health system.
“Active ageing also means giving people the tools and care they need to remain as independent as possible and enjoy a good quality of life. We will therefore continue to invest in technology, services and our professionals so that the care we offer continues to advance according to the needs of our elderly,” concluded the Parliamentary Secretary.
This investment forms part of the ongoing work for St. Vincent de Paul to continue developing its diagnostic services through modern medical technology and continue to improve the quality of care offered to its residents and the elderly in the community.
