Moray mum's plea as Health Secretary to decide on local maternity services

A North East mum's hoping consultant led maternity services will return to Moray as the Health Secretary will announce a decision on the matter later today.

Humza Yousaf will update Holyrood this afternoon, after holding several meetings in the North of Scotland last week.

An independent review conducted last year said a consultant-led unit could be restored in but a "significant increase in staff recruitment" would be required.

However, another suggestion of a maternity model linked with Raigmore Hospital in Inverness has been disputed by NHS Highland staff and campaigners.

Nicole Wood, from Cullen, says despite the excellent care she received at Dr Gray's in Elgin and Aberdeen, she would opt to ensure she was in Aberdeen before giving birth in the future.

"I was really scared" - Nicole Wood

Nicole had to be transferred to Aberdeen in January after her baby boy was in the occipito-posterior position, which meant the back of his head and back were against her spine.

She said: "I was really scared.

"It was just the not knowing if I was going to be ok, was my baby going to be ok.

"It was quite daunting being put in the back of an ambulance without a partner or member of your family being able to come with you.

"It was a good job I had one of the midwives with me, but it does put the panic into you."

Baby Ryan was born healthy and Nicole has no issues with the care she received from staff in Elgin or Aberdeen.

However Nicole says if she has more children, she'll be going to Aberdeen if consultant led services aren't restored.

She added: "I would hope that if I was to ever have more children, if Elgin does not have consultant-led services I would just put myself straight to Aberdeen.

"I always wanted to have my baby in Elgin considering it’s so close to Cullen.

"I can’t fault the care I got in Elgin.

"They always kept checking me, they always reassured me. Even my mum and partner were looked after.

“If the situation could’ve been dealt with in Elgin it would’ve been much better.

“I think my recovery would’ve been better as well because afterwards I was actually quite traumatised going from Elgin to Aberdeen.

“Once I’d had my baby, I was getting flashbacks and quite bad nightmares as well.

"Even though the care I received in Elgin was next to none, I do really hope the services are up and running again."

Speaking last week during his visit, Health Secretary Humza 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.

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."