Call for "real action" for Moray maternity campaigners ahead of Public Health Minister's Dr Gray's visit
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MORAY MP Douglas Ross says Public Health Minister Jenni Minto's visit to Dr Gray's Hospital next week must deliver "real action" for maternity services campaigners.
Ms Minto, who was born in Elgin, will meet with Keep MUM campaigners to discuss maternity services, which were downgraded in 2018, at the hospital.
The Scottish Government committed up to £6.6 million earlier this year for the full restoration of services in Moray by 2026.
The news was welcomed by local campaigners but Keep MUM told The Northern Scot earlier this month that questions remain regarding the plans.
Mr Ross says he welcomes the minister's decision to meet with campaigners but added that "concrete and detailed plans" must be heard.
"I know the minister will be left in no doubt by expectant Moray mums and local campaigners about the anger and frustration they continue to feel more than five years on from a so-called temporary downgrade of services," Mr Ross said.
"Those campaigners and people across Moray must hear concrete and detailed plans for restoring consultant-led services at Dr Gray’s at this meeting. They have heard warm words for too long."
Mr Ross added that the restoration of services should be a "top priority" having experienced first-hand the impact of the downgrade when his second son was born at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in 2021.
His comments come after three Moray women shared their experiences of childbirth at a time when they had no consultant-led care to turn to.
“I know myself about the dangers and deeply upsetting experiences that can happen as a result of not being able to access maternity services on your doorstep," he added.
"We also heard a recent shocking birthing story where a Moray mum went into labour in the car park after having to travel to Aberdeen to give birth.
“This situation is completely unacceptable and we must see consultant-led services return as a matter of urgency at Dr Gray’s.
"I hope that this meeting with the SNP minister will deliver real results, as successive health ministers have neglected the needs of pregnant women and families in Moray for far too long."
