Moves being made for return of maternity services to Moray

INITIAL plans to reinstate full maternity services at Dr Gray's Hospital could be signed off by the Scottish Government within the week.

Scottish health secretary Jeane Freeman stated this after being questioned in the Scottish Parliament by Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston, whose constituency includes Moray.

The Highlands and Islands MSP had been asked by Moray MP Douglas Ross to intervene on his behalf with NHS Grampian.

This was after Mr Ross was contacted by an expectant Moray mother who had to complete a 60-mile trip to Aberdeen because of the downgrading of services in Elgin.

At the debate on Tuesday, Ms Freeman said: "The first plan was insufficient in terms of content and scale but I hope over the course of the next 10 days or so to approve the additional work I think is necessary in the short to medium term to move back towards full services at Dr Gray's."

Mr Halcro Johnston said: "I hope that, since the last plans were rejected, NHS Grampian and the Scottish Government have worked hard and collaboratively to ensure we see a robust upgrading of the plans that will secure the long-term future of a full maternity service at Dr Gray's.

"Local mothers should be able to have the confidence that they can have their children in Moray, not be forced to endure lengthy round trips to Aberdeen in all weathers."