Dr Gray’s Hospital expands range of services for Moray mums as maternity restoration efforts gather pace
Mums giving birth in Elgin have been given a boost with the addition of a new specialist service.
Dr Gray’s Hospital is adding a ‘cell salvage’ option for blood transfusion which will be added to its range of services this summer.
It is already available at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital for those at high risk of bleeding during birth, and now the option will be made available for all mums having caesarean sections at Dr Gray’s.
Calum McDonald, NHS Grampian consultant anaesthetist and training programme director, explained: “Cell salvage works by collecting blood lost during surgery, ‘washing’ it and then giving it back to the patient during the operation.
“It’s a great alternative to using donated blood, has the added benefit of helping to reduce recovery times when a blood transfusion is needed, and we’re pleased we will be able to offer this at Dr Gray’s in the coming months.
“It’s a well-established technique at hospitals across the UK and it’s a great step forward for our Maternity Collaborative across Elgin, Inverness and Aberdeen.
“Cell salvage machines are operated by theatre staff, with clinical decisions around using the blood and management of bleeding being made by the anaesthetist.
“The team at Dr Gray’s is going through extensive training and are looking forward to putting these skills into practice.”
Jane Raitt, midwifery professional clinical lead for the Moray Maternity Programme, added: “The team is continuing to make fantastic progress in terms of developing or redeveloping their skillset, making sure families in our care have a fantastic experience of giving birth at Dr Gray’s.
“Thank you to everyone involved in making this important service possible.”
The maternity unit at Dr Gray’s Hospital was initially downgraded in due to a lack of consultant cover.
But restoration efforts are gaining pace and a new recruitment campaign has helped fill 68 roles since 2023.
Health bosses maintain they are “confident” that a consultant-led service will be in place at Dr Gray’s by the end of 2026.
