Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has updated parliament on progress towards restoring a full consultant-led maternity service at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
Mr Yousaf said:
“The Scottish Government remains committed to the delivery of a consultant-led maternity service in Dr Gray’s Hospital, and the model 4 plan is an important step towards achieving this.
“Model 4 will provide obstetric maternity care closer to home for Moray women while NHS Grampian put plans in place to return to consultant-led services at Dr Gray’s.
“Having met with local campaign groups and the relevant Health Boards this week, before giving approval to the Model 4 plans I am very clear that further work is required, and there are elements to be worked through locally and nationally to deliver for families in Moray.
“I have also heard very clearly the concerns raised by Clinicians and have asked our External Assurance Panel to provide me with a level of reassurance around assumptions in Model 4 plans.
“At a local level, clinical teams in Highland and Grampian need to develop the safe pathways of care to bring reassurance to both the women and clinicians.
“At a national level we are determined to address the ongoing challenge of recruitment in rural areas.
“I expect to receive the next phase of the plan for improvements by the end of December.
“And of course I will endeavour to keep this Parliament updated.”
