Moray SNP News

MORAY MSP COMMENTS ON PLANS FOR CONSULTANT-LED MATERNITY SERIVCE

Richard Lochhead MSP has responded to the publication of NHS Grampian’s long-awaited plan to restore a consultant led maternity service at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. 

NHS Grampian are set to discuss the draft plan at its board meeting on Thursday 15th December before submission to the Scottish Government.

Commenting Mr Lochhead said:

“The community has been eager to see NHS Grampian publish its plan to restore a consultant-led maternity service in Moray and we finally have clarity from the health board as to what is required to get us there.

“NHS Grampian’s plan is for consultant-led services to be restored by the end of 2026, which is vast improvement on the decade of work they initially said would be needed. Between now and then I would hope to see services stepped up as and when the necessary staffing and resources become available.

“I welcome plans to invest in a new and improved approach to recruitment, which we absolutely need to succeed in order to attract talent to the area to make the service sustainable for the future. Coming up with a unique offer to attract key staff to Moray has been something I’ve been calling for over many years, so I am glad this is now happening.

“I’ll be taking time to engage with the local community and Keep MUM to hear their views on the draft plan in the coming days and weeks. But what I am very clear about, is we need NHS Grampian to show real grit and determination to deliver for women and families in Moray. We need the board to show us it is committed to seeing this through and getting us back to a place where the majority of local women can once again deliver their babies in Elgin.”