Scottish Government pledge up to £6.6m towards restoring consultant led maternity care in Moray
The Scottish Government say the money will help re-establish services at Dr Gray's which were downgraded in 2018.
Last updated 3rd Mar 2023
Funding of up to £6.6 million is going towards restoring consultant led maternity services to Elgin.
The Scottish Government say the money will help re-establish services at Dr Gray's which were downgraded in 2018.
Elective caesarean births are planned to return in early 2025 with full consultant-led services re-starting in 2026.
While refurbishment work is ongoing, more Moray mums-to-be will be offered the chance to have their babies at Raigmore Hospital, with the Scottish Government giving £5 million of earmarked funding to improve facilities in Inverness.
Thanks to health boards and clinical teams - Humza Yousaf
Health Secretary and SNP Leadership Candidate Humza Yousaf recognised delivering plans for Moray "will not be without its challenges"
He said: "NHS Grampian and Highland’s ambitious plan will deliver what local people have asked for – a return to obstetric maternity services at Dr Grays in a safe and sustainable way.
"I thank both health boards and their clinical teams for the collaborative and innovative work that has gone into the development of this plan.
"I am grateful to Professor Linda De Caestecker, who was appointed to provide External Assurance, for her advice and support which has been crucial in getting us to this point.
"Delivering the plan will not be without its challenges, and the collaborative approach NHS Grampian and Highland have in place will provide a solid platform for shared delivery.
"Professor De Caestecker has agreed to continue to provide external assurance in the first year of the delivery period and I very much welcome this."
'Significant and welcome step' - health boards
NHS Grampian and NHS Highland have also released a joint statement.
NHS Grampian Chief Executive, Professor Caroline Hiscox, said: "We welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s approval for our plans to develop Moray maternity services.
"This is a significant and welcome step, which I know will be warmly welcomed by families, midwives and clinicians across Moray.
"We have worked tirelessly to develop robust models that can deliver a safe and sustainable maternity service for Moray.
"I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the development of the plans and look forward to seeing their delivery.
"Today’s announcement of £6.6m funding will enable us to start the recruitment process as soon as possible to provide the necessary expertise required at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
"We look forward to working in partnership with NHS Highland on the planned networked model, which will help deliver services across the region."
NHS Highland’s Chief Executive, Pam Dudek said: "NHS Highland will continue to work alongside NHS Grampian and other partners to support women to give birth with a focus on choice and involvement in planning their care with us.
"In order to do so safely, we need to upgrade facilities at Raigmore and significantly increase our workforce, while also considering options for midwife-led care in Inverness-shire allowing choice locally and most importantly develop agreed pathways of care amongst our clinicians.
"This work is underway."
Mixed reaction from Moray MSP and MP
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead is delighted while the region's Tory MP Douglas Ross is giving a "cautious welcome" to the update.
Richard said: "This feels like the first serious step forward in delivering the plan to restore these vital services in Elgin and it is now imperative that NHS Grampian works flat out, leaving no stone unturned, to secure the staff we need.
"I think everyone in Moray recognises that restoration won’t happen overnight and that services will need to be rebuilt in a phased way, in order to ensure they are safe, sustainable, and fit for the future.
"This funding from the Scottish Government shows a real commitment to make sure that happens.
"I want to pay tribute to Keep MUM and everyone who has been involved in the campaign to this point."
Douglas added: "Confirmation of approval and funding for these plans to restore maternity services at Dr Gray’s is a step in the right direction but much more work needs to be done by Humza Yousaf and this SNP government.
“Earmarking millions for this initial implementation is positive, but it is crucial that it is spent in the right areas. The devil will be in the detail of this announcement and the finer print must give expectant mothers in Moray and tireless campaigners confidence once and for all over the return of consultant-led services at Dr Gray’s.
“If this implementation is to be successful, then Humza Yousaf needs to recognise that serious issues around recruitment remain. That is exacerbated by the rural and remote geography of Moray and the Highlands and the solid platform he has described could fall apart without the required staff in place.
"Plans must progress without any further delay and this announcement today must be backed up with robust delivery by Humza Yousaf and NHS Grampian."