Patients to be consulted on maternity changes

NHS Grampian has agreed to introduce public consultation on major changes to the provision of maternity services in the area.

Under the proposals, three community maternity units in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Inverurie would replace the two birth units in Aboyne and Fraserburgh. A third unit in Banff has not been operational for two years.

A spokeswoman for the health authority said: “The proposals are part of a wider review of maternity services which has been under way since April 2010. They have been drawn up with input from women and staff from across the north east.”

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She added: “At present, 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, more sustainable and which will better meet the needs of all women and families across Grampian – and women from Orkney, Shetland, Highland and Tayside who need specialist care at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.”

The spokeswoman said that the proposed changes would also help to reduce pressure on the main consultant units at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.