DOUGLAS ROSS: Maternity situation continues to be deeply concerning
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THE situation for expectant mothers and families in Moray is something I have written about many times in this column and continues to be deeply concerning and, in some cases, utterly terrifying.
The story this week of a Moray mum having to go against medical advice and give birth in Elgin as she did not want to risk travelling to Aberdeen in treacherous weather conditions sums up how the lack of maternity services in Moray are failing pregnant women in the area. No expectant mother in Moray should ever be faced with this scenario. We are now hurtling towards the five-year mark when we were told that the removal of maternity services at Dr Gray’s was supposed to be temporary.
Now it is set to be at least another three years before services are fully restored, meaning that temporary downgrade will have lasted an astonishing eight years.
Having had the experience of following my wife Krystle on the journey to Aberdeen to give birth to our second son James, I can only be grateful that this trip took place in the summer.
I would not wish my worst enemy to go through the scenario of having to decide to go against medical advice and risk the health of your newborn baby, but thankfully in this case all seems to be well.
My office is continuing to receive regular correspondence from expectant mothers and their loved ones highlighting how they are being widely affected by the lack of maternity services in Moray.
I will leave no stone unturned in the bid to restore maternity services at Dr Gray’s alongside the tireless campaigners in the area. They have been let down at every turn and frankly the lack of ambition to fully restore services is outrageous.
n Another issue that has been going on for far too long is the situation for owners at Lossiemouth Caravan Park. Since Park Holidays took over the running of the site the experience for those on the ground has been nothing short of disgraceful.
Many have been forced to sell-up and for those who are still on site, the facilities have been allowed to deteriorate to a shocking level.
However, I am hopeful that the recent appointment of a new manager, Elaine Airth at the site will bring about significant improvements.
I am seeking a meeting with Elaine as soon as possible to discuss concerns of residents. She brings with her a lot of experience within the sector so I hope that she will engage closely with residents and restore Lossiemouth Caravan Park to its former status.
I will keep you updated when I have secured a meeting with the new site manager, but please do contact me if you have any issues you would like me to raise with her.
February should mark significant progress for those who are awaiting the £200 payment from the UK Government for those who are reliant on using alternative fuels.
The process to ensure these payments reach those who need them most has been a complex one, which is why I asked the minister responsible for an update directly when he appeared before the Scottish Affairs Committee in January.
For those in our rural and remote communities, the struggle of rising energy bills and heating costs is even more acute. These payments will be of significant help as the pressures continue to bite in the coming weeks and months. These payments should be landing in people’s bank accounts by the end of this month.
If there is a situation where you feel you have missed out on receiving this crucial payment, then do not hesitate to contact me and my office and I will urgently look into it for you.
