Toronto Centre For Medical Imaging — Local services in Toronto

Really disappointed with my 37 week pregnancy ultrasound today. My midwives wanted this final ultrasound to 100% confirm baby's position, and knowing this would very likely be the last ultrasound of this pregnancy, I intentionally booked an ultrasound at a clinic that allows partners into the room (as my usual clinic does not). My wife hasn't been allowed into a single appointment, due to covid, so the chance for her to finally see a glimpse of our son was very meaningful.

I waited for over half an hour for my appointment, to the point that the receptionist noticed I was still waiting and said "they haven't taken you in yet?!" and went to the ultrasound technician and to ask if she could take me, and pointed me out to her (as I was sitting in the waiting room right outside her door). My name wasn't called for another 10 minutes or so, and when I was brought into the room the technician said "I was looking for you" - even though I had been directly outside her door and had been pointed out to her by the receptionist. She seemed flustered and sounded like she was somehow blaming me, which wasn't the greatest first impression. I tried not to let this bother me too much, as I assumed it was a busy day and she was just flustered and falling behind.

As I lay down, I began to explain how meaningful this appointment was, as my wife has never had the opportunity to see our son. I mentioned the word 'wife' several times, and she then proceeded to refer to my wife as my 'husband'. I was forced to correct her. She eventually referred to her as 'partner', but seemed very resistant to using the language that I was clearly choosing, which did not feel very good at all.

When the measurements were finished and it was time for my wife to be allowed into the room, the technician asked "so you want me to go and get her?" in an exasperated tone, as if I was being demanding by wanting my partner there. I offered to text my wife to save the technician the trip, but didn't know how to direct her to my exact room. The technician ended up going to get my wife, and then proceeded to show us the baby for about 5 minutes. It felt like she was rushing, and nothing she stopped to show us was in focus so it just looked like a blurry screen the entire time. She didn't print any pictures for us, and instead told my wife she could take a picture of the screen. The image she paused on for the picture is impossible to make out - nothing like the crisp, clear quality of every other ultrasound I have had.

Overall, I'm saddened that what could have been a really magical experience for my wife and I felt rushed, we felt like the technician didn't care at all, and it felt like she was either somewhat homophobic or very unfamiliar with serving LGBTQ+ patients. The level of care, attention to detail and kindness I have received at my usual clinic, Toronto West Ultrasound, far surpasses TCMI, and I would discourage my friends in the queer community from booking appointments here.

Ultimately, feeling rushed and lacking bedside manner is somewhat forgivable in a busy medical space, but to be so unfamiliar with using appropriate language towards queer patients is really not acceptable. It does not make TCMI feel like a safe, inclusive space for...

DO NOT GET YOUR PREGNANCY ULTRASOUNDS HERE! When I called to book my (doctor-referred) first trimester dating ultrasound I SPECIFICALLY asked to confirm that my husband would be in the room with me and was told “Yes”. However, when I showed up a few minutes before him I was ushered to change into a robe and when I said I was waiting for my husband I was told by the technician (who’s name I cannot recall) that first they do the scans then they would bring him into the room. To which I responded that that is NOT what I was told and that I give my legal consent for him to be in the room with me the whole time, but was cut off by the technician saying “No, he’s not allowed til after. It is our policy.” Feeling deflated and nervous as this is our first-ever baby and my first-ever ultrasound of any kind and desperately wanting to hold my husband’s hand, but was denied, I sheepishly followed the technician to the room. She was cold, blunt and emotionless, barely speaking to me while she conducted the scans. She asked me to sign a waiver for the transvaginal scan and so I asked if there was anything I should know before signing it? Any risks or side effects like spotting after, etc.? She replied “You can read it” without even looking at me. During the transvaginal scan I expressed concern that she was causing me discomfort. She replied “it’s normal” and pressed harder. I laid back and winced in pain, and total disappointment over this horrible experience began to set in. Meanwhile outside the ultrasound room, when my husband arrived, the staff gave him the run around not permitting him to know where I was, which room I was in, if I was okay or when he could see me. Finally when he was permitted in the room he could see I was visibly distressed, especially since prior to him entering the room I asked the technician if everything was looking okay (as she had given no indication that it was so far) and she bluntly replied “I’ll bring in your husband. But book an appointment with your Dr 3-5 business days from now to discuss the results.” Then she left to bring in my husband. Worst bedside manner EVER! By the time my husband entered the room I was on the brink of tears over being treated so inhumanly (literally like a number or something on an assembly line) and being left alone in the room with negative thoughts due to her cryptic statement about my results. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough, but wanting photos of our baby we had to pay the front desk $25 and then wait while the burned the images onto a CD. This took way longer than it should have because the person behind the desk first burned the wrong persons images then the front desk girl left for a bit to make sure they had my images as they couldn’t find them to burn them. Finally we got our CD (of 5 images) and left feeling like what had we just been through?! To say that this experience was disappointing is not strong enough of a word. I will never return here and will be sharing my awful experience with everyone I know. Change your ridiculous policy, change your rude and incompetent staff and start to treat your patients like the humans, vessels of life and valuable members of society...

If you’re looking for an ultrasound clinic for your pregnancy, do yourself a favour and go elsewhere. I had an awful and terrifying experience!

First of, the front desk staff were extremely rude and unprofessional. What happened to greeting clients in a friendly and welcoming manner? Instead, expect to receive attitude right from the start.

When I arrived with my son, I was confronted in a very rude tone about needing someone to watch him because he wasn’t allowed in the room… Thankfully, my husband could join us, but what about those who don’t have additional support?! Why would you make someone feel unwelcome because they brought their child with them??

Second, I was brought in to the room only to be left with such uncertainty... The technician took about 15-20 minutes to review my first pregnancy ultrasound and seemed very hesitant. She eventually told me she couldn’t see a fetus and indicated that there was no pregnancy (my heart immediately dropped). This was devastating to hear given that my blood tests and home tests had already confirmed I was pregnant. So you could imagine how confused I was and emotions were all over the place…

She tells me to go back to the waiting area while she consulted another technician. At this point my husband had to leave because my appointment ended up taking much longer than anticipated. When I was called back in (this time, without any assistance for my toddler), the second technician confirmed that there was indeed a fetus and that the heartbeat looked good. I immediately got teary as I was left with such uncertainty from the initial ultrasound. The technician confirmed how far along I was and then proceeded to tell me that she would have 2 pictures printed and that if I wanted additional ones that I could purchase a CD with front desk…

However, when I went to the front desk to ask about the pictures, I was met with an attitude and was told that they don't print pictures. I expressed to the lady at from desk that that’s not what I was told by the technician. Once Again, with attitude she responded that they do not print pictures instead CD and USBs are available for purchase… Are you kidding? Not once was I asked to pay for these with my first pregnancy. I understand if you request additional ones…but $25-30 for this when everywhere else I’ve gone print ultrasound pictures for free without even having to ask?? Extremely unfair. This is the first clinic I know that does not provide printed copies of ultrasound, instead charges you for digital copies.

Please do yourself a favour and find yourself a more...