Ross 'concerned' by unfilled posts at Dr Gray's
Six consultant roles at Dr Gray’s have remained unfilled for at least 30 months, according to the British Medical Association Scotland.
The organisation states there are shortages of doctors at hospitals across the country, with the problem particularly acute in rural and remote areas.
It adds that a seventh consultancy post at Dr Gray's has also been unfilled for 14 months.
Moray's MP labelled the findings "deeply concerning".
Douglas Ross said: "Our dedicated staff are already completely overwhelmed, but it is pushing them beyond breaking point.
"We have already seen the impact of staff shortages on our maternity services at Dr Gray’s, with the so-called temporary downgrade now nearing the five-year mark.
"I’m pleased that Jenni Minto – the SNP’s new Public Health Minister – has agreed to visit Dr Gray’s with me in the near future.
"That visit will leave her in no doubt about the pressures faced in delivering healthcare in Moray."
Dr Gray's maternity service was downgraded in 2017 due to a lack of consultants.
The Scottish Government announced that £6.6 million would be made available to support the return of consultant-led obstetric care to the Elgin hospital.
It wants elective caesarean births to re-start there in early 2025, with full consultant-led services returning in 2026.
