Moray MP Douglas Ross has given a cautious welcome to the new Maternity Charter for NHS Grampian which was launched by Scottish Health Minister Jenni Minto MSP who visited Moray earlier today.
Commenting, Douglas said: “I’m pleased that the Minister came to Moray to hear about the experiences of Moray mums and families and see for herself the situation at Dr Gray’s Hospital by meeting with staff and campaigners.
“While this new charter sets out what a maternity service should deliver and what patients should expect, sadly that is still not what Moray mums and families can expect. Although the Scottish Government has promised funding to restore services this won’t happen before 2026 in Moray at the earliest, which just isn’t soon enough.
“What we need is a full return of consultant-led maternity services as soon as possible, and to guarantee a safe service for mums-to-be in Moray who still face at least another three years of having to go to Aberdeen or Inverness to give birth.
“Nothing short of the full reintroduction will be acceptable and no amount of charters, visits or promises on paper can make up for the reality that mothers still face the frightening prospect and uncertainty of having to travel out of Moray to give birth.
“What was a temporary downgrade has turned into a total nightmare and it must be resolved as a matter of urgency.”