I gave birth in ambulance amid staff shortages at local hospital
Katie Colville, director of midwifery for NHS Grampian, said: “While we are pleased mum and baby are doing well, we are sorry Hannah and her family had a poor experience.
“We want as many women in Moray as possible to have the choice of giving birth at Dr Gray’s, closer to home and with the people who matter to them, and this type of experience only reaffirms our determination to deliver that as soon as safely possible.
“That said, for some women and babies, the specialist care available in Aberdeen means that planning to give birth there will always be the safest option.”
She said extensive arrangements were in place to support women who need to travel and to minimise the need for journeys during labour.
“Sometimes, though, labour is unpredictable and circumstances can change quickly,” Colville added.
“We know how long Moray families have waited for the return of full consultant-led maternity services at Dr Gray’s, and this is why we’re so determined to finish what we’ve started.”
It comes as a nationwide review of Scotland’s maternity services is ongoing.
Chaired by maternal and child health expert Prof Christine McCourt, it will pay particular attention to how care is provided in rural and island communities – with specific focus on services in Elgin, as well as Caithness and Wigtownshire.
Prof McCourt is due to submit her findings and recommendations in July next year.
