MSP Welcomes Re-establishment of Maternity Services

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has today welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement regarding the future of obstetric services at Dr Grays Hospital in Elgin.

In response to a question lodged by Ms Roddick, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf, confirmed he had approved plans to proceed with the re-establishment of consultant-led obstetric services in Elgin.

Commenting on the announcement, Emma said:

“I am delighted to hear that the Scottish Government has approved the plans for the return of obstetric services at Dr Grays and will back this with £6.6M of funding. This is an issue which I know has been at the forefront of the minds of many across Moray for a long time. Since my first days as an MSP, I have heard from and supported constituents affected by a lack of consultant-led obstetrics.

“I would like to pay tribute to the many campaigners across Moray who have tirelessly fought for the return of these services. It has been a deeply personal and emotional campaign for them, including those parents who have a harrowing story of how their baby was born.

“I am grateful to the leadership of NHS Highland and NHS Grampian for the work that both organisations have done to get to this point and would like to put my thanks to them on the record.

“I appreciate that the phased return will be a disappointment to some, but it is vital we get this right. I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his work on the matter and for approving this plan which will come as a welcome relief to many of my constituents.”