Maternity patient transfer plan for Dr Gray's in Elgin 'not a significant step', claims Keep MUM
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
NHS Grampian announced yesterday that ‘low risk’ women booked to deliver in Dr Gray’s Hospital will be transferred to Inverness if they develop complications during labour.
The health board had reached an agreement with NHS Highland so Raigmore Hospital in Inverness can be used as opposed to Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.
However the Keep MUM group claims the development will have limited impact.
Kirsty Watson is a spokesperson for the group which has been campaigning for a full maternity service to be re-introduced at Dr Gray's.
She said: "While we will always welcome improvements to the maternity service, it is stretching the truth for NHS Grampian to call this a 'significant step'.
"The vast majority of Moray women will continue to give birth in Aberdeen.
"Very few women are currently booked to give birth in Elgin. The numbers of emergency transfers are therefore small so very few Moray women will benefit.
"Disappointingly, NHS Grampian make no mention of the over 700 women a year making a very long, anxiety provoking and dangerous trip to Aberdeen.
"Most make the journey with their partners and without medical help such as pain relief or monitoring of the baby.
"In any case, Inverness is only slightly shorter in terms of travel time and still along the treacherous A96."
Dr Gray's maternity service was downgraded in 2018.
About 80% of Moray women have since had to give birth in Aberdeen.
Earlier this year the Scottish Government made a commitment to return Dr Gray's to a full consultant-led service by 2026.
Related article: Moray mums will be able to give birth in Inverness instead of Aberdeen
