Scottish Government knew of Dr Gray’s maternity target miss months before public admission

A probe into the full restoration of maternity services at Dr Gray’s Hospital has revealed the Scottish Government knew in July it was going to miss its 2026 target – three months before it was publicly announced.

Maternity services at the Elgin hospital were downgraded to a midwife-led service in 2018 due to a severe shortage of consultants.

The move has resulted in about 80 per cent of Moray mothers having to give birth outside of the region, mainly in Aberdeen.

Data obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that from October 2025 to September 2026, a total of 31 women were transferred from Dr Gray’s to Aberdeen or Raigmore in Inverness during labour.

NHS Grampian hopes to fully restore services in 2027 after missing its original 2026 target.

The delay was first confirmed publicly early in October, but on Tuesday, November 3, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Angela Constance, confirmed the Scottish Government knew in July it was going to miss its 2026 target – three months before it was confirmed.

Ms Constance said: “In July 2026 officials were made aware of NHS Grampian’s position in relation to the possibility of delays to the restoration of services.

“I visited Dr Gray’s in August to meet staff and discuss the concerns raised by local campaign groups.

“We continue to make clear our expectation services be restored as safely and quickly as possible.”

The question was asked by Labour MSP Jackie Baillie, who is the shadow health spokesperson.

Sandy Keith, Moray Council Labour group leader and councillor for Elgin North, said: “It seems that the health secretary has kept the people of Moray in the dark for three months over the maternity delay.

“The SNP government needs to be more open about progress to restoring these vital services and stop its culture of secrecy.

“We’re all hoping for no more delays, and that 2027 will finally be the year that maternity services are restored, nine years after they were downgraded.”