Health secretary hears first hand of maternity pressures across the North
A statement to Parliament is expected next week to confirm the way forward
Last updated 21st Mar 2022
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has met with staff and patients to discuss the future of maternity services across the North of Scotland.
The discussions took place at NHS Highland’s Raigmore Hospital and Elgin's Dr Gray’s in NHS Grampian.
Mr Yousaf said: “I am here today to reaffirm this Government’s commitment to delivering the best care for expectant mothers in Moray, that meets their needs and expectations, is safe for them and their babies and reintroduces consultant-led maternity services in Moray.
“Everyone involved has the same goal – ensuring expectant mothers receive the best possible care as close to home as is possible. Taking the time to get this right now will ensure that service can be delivered in the long term in a way that ensures the safety of mothers and babies at all times.
“That’s why I pledged to meet with all interested parties and listen to all views in detail before confirming the Government’s response to Ralph Roberts’ report into maternity services at Dr Gray’s Hospital.
An Independent Review into maternity services at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin was commissioned last March. It was led by Chief Executive of NHS Borders Ralph Roberts. It considered how a consultant-led service could be reinstated that is safe, deliverable and sustainable, taking the views of women, their families, staff and stakeholders into account.
Mr Yousaf also added: “I am grateful to have had a chance to speak to clinicians in Raigmore and Dr Grays, and with local people along with further discussions with NHS Grampian and NHS Highland and I can confirm today that I will make a statement to Parliament next week to confirm the way forward shortly.”
“There has been a growing frustration that no action has been taken... for almost four years"
In commenting, after meeting with the Health Secretary, Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “It’s now over three months since the Cabinet Secretary met with community representatives following publication of the Independent Review into Moray maternity services.
“There has been a growing frustration that no action has been taken to address the situation regarding maternity services in Moray for almost four years since the consultant-led unit was downgraded in 2018.
“In fairness to the Cabinet Secretary, he listened to all the points put across and has confirmed that he will give a statement to the Scottish Parliament on March 30th outlining the next steps his government intends to take.
“This will be a crucial statement because we need to see clear action towards reinstating a full consultant-led unit at Dr Gray’s"