WATCH: Elgin's children's ward downgrade pressures Moray's ambulances

Moray's ambulances are under increasing pressure after Elgin's children's ward was downgraded to cope with a shortage of hospital doctors.

The staffing crisis at Dr Gray's means sick kids in need of a hospital bed between 10pm and 8am are forced to travel almost two-hours away to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament earlier, saying: "This places more pressure on local ambulance crews who are waiting on a decision on an additional ambulance and crew for Elgin.

"I'm told that Monday evening a crew had to hang about for four-hours waiting for a vehicle to return to Moray so they could take over and answer local calls."

During Holyrood's First Minister's Questions the MSP called on Nicola Sturgeon to "urgently investigate solutions" as the temporary measure at Dr Gray's remains in place, despite NHS Grampian's recruitment efforts to overcome the issue.

Mr Lochhead asked: "First Minister, please urgently investigate what more solutions can be put in place to help attract pediatricians to work in places like Dr Gray's, and seek a quick decision in the hope for an increase in local ambulance provision."

The First Minister replied: "NHS Grampian has been working and continues to work to fill posts within its pediatrics services at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin.

"The board has reluctantly introduced a temporary model to do with the safey of children.

"It's decision has been taken in the best interests of children and their families, and I'm sure everyone would agree that clinical safety is the primary consideration.

"The board is doing everything it can to fill vacancies and is continuing to review its staffing model.

"Richard Lochhead raises important issues about the ambulance service which I will ask the Health Secretary to consider in more detail and discuss with him.

"We hope to see the situation restored to where people want it to be at Dr Gray's as quickly as possible."