Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD COMMENTS ON HEALTH SECRETARY’S VISIT TO MORAY FOR MATERNITY SERVICES TALKS

Richard Lochhead MSP joined community representatives for a meeting with the Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, to discuss the independent review into maternity services in Moray. 

Speaking after the meeting Mr Lochhead said:

“This latest visit to Moray by the Health Secretary shows he is listening to the local community. The representatives certainly provided a unified voice calling for a focus on the reinstatement of a consultant led maternity service at Dr Gray’s, irrespective of any planned investment at Raigmore, to allow more women to give birth there rather than having to travel to Aberdeen. We need to see similar investment in Dr Gray’s and the rebuilding of the service there as soon as possible so that the majority of women can give birth locally.

“NHS Grampian’s inaction has resulted in four lost years and I can’t help thinking that their lack of leadership and commitment to restoring the service means we face more hurdles today than what would have been the case back in 2018, when what was supposed to be a temporary downgrade was first announced.

“All eyes are now on the Health Secretary forthcoming parliamentary statement on the future of Moray’s maternity service next week where I hope he is able to provide a clear timetable for the restoration of the service backed up with the necessary resources and urgency.”