NHS goes public on maternity plans
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
OPEN MEETINGS are being held by NHS Grampian in Huntly on Wednesday, January 11, as part of a formal consultation on proposed changes to the area’s maternity service.
The meetings are open to the public and will provide an opportunity to find out more about, and give views on, the proposals. They will be held from 1pm to 3pm and 6pm to 8pm at Stewart’s Hall, 15-17 Gordon Street.
A spokesman for NHS Grampian said: "There are parts of the maternity service that are not set up in the right way, or located in the right place, to address some of the real challenges staff are facing.
"The proposals aim to provide a service that is safer and more sustainable and which will better meet the needs of all women and families across Grampian – and women from other areas who need specialist care at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.
"Under the plans, three community maternity units (CMU) in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Inverurie would replace the two birth units in Aboyne and Fraserburgh. A third in Banff has not been operational for two years.
"These proposals will also help reduce pressure on consultant units at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin and improve the experience of women and families who use these services.
"Final proposals will go back to the board of NHS Grampian for approval, but a final decision on any changes rests with Scottish Ministers."
Booking is not necessary for the open meetings, but NHS Grampian says it would be useful to have contact details if the meetings need to be postponed due to bad weather. Members of the public are asked to call 01224 550950 or e-mail nhsg.consult@nhs.net, providing your name, contact telephone number, and which meeting (afternoon or evening) you plan to attend.
People can also submit views by completing the feedback questionnaire, e-mailing comments to nhsg.consult@nhs.net, or by writing to Freepost, NHS Grampian. The consultation paper and feedback questionnaire are available from www.nhsgrampian.org/maternityreview or via the contact information above. All responses to the consultation must be received by March 22, 2012.
Other meetings are being organised in Aberdeen, Aboyne, Banff, Elgin, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Peterhead and Stonehaven.
