Return of full maternity services at Dr Gray's in Elgin delayed

The return of full maternity services at a hospital in Moray has been delayed, eight years after they were downgraded.

Complete maternity services at Dr Gray’s hospital in Elgin were downgraded to a midwife-led service in 2018 due to staff shortages.

NHS Grampian had set a target to fully restore consultant-led maternity services by the end of this year.

However, health bosses have admitted the goal was “ambitious”, and it will instead be done “as soon as is safely possible” next year.

Women have reported being forced to travel long distances to Aberdeen and Inverness to give birth.

Jane Gill, programme director for the Moray Maternity Programme, said: “We will have a large part of the service in place by the end of the year, but some elements will need more time.

“We owe it to women and families to be completely open about that and clear about what is available now, what comes next, and when, so they have the information they need to make choices and plan.”

Review into maternity services

It comes as Scottish health secretary Angela Constance announced that an independent review into Scottish maternity services has begun.

Chaired by maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt, the nationwide review, which is expected to take nine months, will examine how maternity services can better meet the needs of women, including in rural and island communities.

The minister previously promised the findings would result in “real and tangible change” for women and their families.

Launching the review on Monday, Constance said she wants every woman and baby to receive the high-quality care they deserve.

“That is why I announced this independent review, which will sit alongside the inspections already under way of every acute maternity unit in Scotland, to identify the systemic changes needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes.

“While the vast majority of mothers receive good care, I have heard from families who were let down, and from those who have bravely shared their experiences of loss – these are powerful stories. Their experiences must shape improvement.”

The Scottish Government said the independent review will draw on data, evidence and the direct experiences of women, families and staff at every level of care.

It will pay particular attention to how care is provided in rural and island communities, including in Caithness, Wigtownshire and Elgin, where women have reported being forced to travel long distances following reductions in maternity services.

It will also examine disparities in outcomes, including higher rates of maternal mortality among black and Asian women.

Prof McCourt, who leads the Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research at the University of London, added: “The review team is committed to engaging with women, families, healthcare staff and organisations across Scotland to understand both the challenges facing maternity services and the examples of excellent care that can inform future improvements.

“We want to hear from people with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. We encourage anyone with relevant insights to visit the website, learn more about the review and engage with the process as our work progresses.”

Constance said the Government will continue to take action to improve services while the review is under way.

She added that Healthcare Improvement Scotland will continue its programme of maternity inspections to drive improvement locally in every acute maternity unit in Scotland, and to inform the review.

Prof McCourt is due to submit her findings and recommendations to the Scottish Government next July.