NHS Highland and NHS Grampian have issued the statement below on Moray Maternity Services.
Commenting on the announcement today by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care on Moray maternity services, Professor Caroline Hiscox, Chief Executive NHS Grampian, said: "We welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s approval for our plans to develop Moray maternity services.
"This is a significant and welcome step, which I know will be warmly welcomed by families, midwives and clinicians across Moray.
“We have worked tirelessly to develop robust models that can deliver a safe and sustainable maternity service for Moray. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the development of the plans and look forward to seeing their delivery.
“Today’s announcement of £6.6m funding will enable us to start the recruitment process as soon as possible to provide the necessary expertise required at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. We look forward to working in partnership with NHS Highland on the planned networked model, which will help deliver services across the region.”
Pam Dudek, NHS Highland’s Chief Executive, said: "NHS Highland will continue to work alongside NHS Grampian and other partners to support women to give birth with a focus on choice and involvement in planning their care with us. In order to do so safely, we need to upgrade facilities at Raigmore and significantly increase our workforce, while also considering options for midwife-led care in Inverness-shire allowing choice locally and most importantly develop agreed pathways of care amongst our clinicians. This work is underway.”