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MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast Karen Adam seeks parliamentary debate on Moray maternity services





KAREN Adam, MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, is seeking a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the campaign to restore a consultant-led service at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.

Ms Adam, who represents Buckie, hopes to secure cross-party support so she can lead a debate on the temporary changes to women’s services at the Elgin hospital, which has led to women with medium and high-risk pregnancies having to travel to Aberdeen or Inverness to deliver their babies.

The motion she has lodged welcomes the independent review that has been commissioned by the Scottish Government and calls on NHS Grampian to work with Keep MUM, the Scottish Government and the local community to ensure that a consultant-led service can be restored as soon as possible so women and babies can access the care they need locally.

Ms Adam said: "Since being elected I’ve been contacted by women and families in my constituency who have real concerns about the ongoing situation with maternity services at Dr Gray’s Hospital.

"It is important that this is raised and discussed by MSPs, and as a mother and as an MSP myself, I am delighted that this local concern forms the basis of my first motion before parliament.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam.

"The catchment area of Dr Gray's includes many parents and families in Banffshire and Buchan Coast who have used the service in Elgin. At the heart of my motion is the recognition by the Scottish Government to commission an independent review of maternity services at Dr Gray’s Hospital.

"I am really looking forward to working with the Keep MUM campaigners and the community at large and Richard Lochhead MSP to support and restore a consultant-led service.

"This situation has undoubtedly caused alarm and upset to parents and families at a time when stress and mental wellbeing is of concern as we recover from the pandemic. The work of the Keep MUM campaign has been invaluable in voicing their concern over the temporary decision by NHS Grampian to downgrade maternity services in Moray.

"I hope my first motion in parliament can move plans to restore a consultant-led service forward and that progress can be made for parents and families in Moray as soon as possible."

Richard Lochhead, MSP for Moray, added: "I’m really pleased to see Karen getting straight to work to support women and families served by Dr Gray’s, and the fact that this issue looks set to be debated so early in the new parliamentary term sends a powerful message about the strength of feeling in our local communities over the changes to maternity services in Moray.

"The restoration of our consultant-led service is a priority for people in both of our constituencies and we need NHS Grampian to work with the local community and the Scottish Government to ensure the long-term future of our consultant-led maternity unit – it is vital for women and families locally and is key to ensuring that Moray remains an attractive place for people to live and work.

"I would urge MSPs from across the north of Scotland to support Karen’s motion so we can have this debate as soon as possible."

The Elgin hospital's maternity unit was downgraded in mid-2018 due to staff shortages.


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