Health & Wellness Lessons for Malta’s Food Lovers
Malta’s focus on health, wellness, and longevity extends beyond nutrition and dining to the importance of relying on qualified professionals in all aspects of wellness. Recent concerns raised by the UK’s Society of Radiographers (SoR) about unregulated high street pregnancy scan clinics highlight the risks of trusting unqualified practitioners, with instances of misdiagnosis and missed medical emergencies causing serious harm. This serves as a reminder for Malta’s residents and visitors to prioritize expertise and accountability in healthcare, just as they would in choosing reputable restaurants or nutritious meals. Stricter regulations and professional oversight are essential to ensure safety and trust in wellness services, reinforcing the importance of informed decisions in leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Title: The Importance of Trusted Healthcare Professionals: Lessons for Food and Wellness Enthusiasts in Malta
Malta’s growing interest in health, wellness, and longevity has inspired many to embrace a holistic lifestyle, from eating nutritious foods to seeking reliable healthcare. However, recent revelations from leading radiographers in the UK highlight the importance of expertise and accountability in health services—a lesson that resonates deeply with those pursuing a balanced and healthy life.
The Society of Radiographers (SoR) has raised alarms about the rise of high street clinics offering pregnancy scans without qualified specialists, leading to cases of misdiagnosis and missed medical emergencies. This situation serves as a reminder for anyone in Malta, whether a parent-to-be or someone simply committed to health, that expertise and trust must remain central to all wellness decisions. Just as choosing nutrient-rich meals or a reputable restaurant is crucial, so is seeking healthcare services from qualified professionals.
According to the SoR, anyone with an ultrasound machine can call themselves a sonographer without necessarily having the necessary qualifications or being regulated. This lack of oversight has led to unsafe situations, including:
- Blood clots misdiagnosed as malformed foetuses, with mothers advised to have induced miscarriages despite carrying healthy babies.
- Ectopic pregnancies—which can be life-threatening—being overlooked.
- Major abnormalities that should have been detected during scans being missed entirely.
- Outdated advice given, such as recommending prolonged bed rest for cervical issues.
While Malta is known for its excellent healthcare system, these alarming examples from abroad underscore the importance of ensuring that every health-related service—whether it’s prenatal care, nutritional advice, or wellness consultations—is delivered by qualified professionals. Just as diners trust chefs and restaurateurs to use fresh ingredients and proper techniques, patients should expect a similar level of expertise from healthcare providers.
Katie Thompson, SoR president and a hospital sonographer, stressed: “When people go for a scan or any kind of diagnostic test, they assume that the person they’re going to see is qualified to do it. They don’t realise that anybody can buy a machine and call themselves a sonographer.” She emphasized the need for stricter regulations, which would ensure only trained professionals can use the title of sonographer. This step would help protect patients by creating accountability and offering avenues to address complaints.
Elaine Brooks, a former hospital sonographer and Midlands regional officer for the SoR, shared a harrowing example of a woman who was told by an unqualified sonographer that her unborn baby had no heartbeat and was severely malformed. The private