A Moray mum says she had to choose to give birth at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin against medical advice – or risk travelling through “whiteout” snow conditions to Aberdeen while in labour.
The woman gave her personal account to campaign group Keep Mum to highlight the tough decisions facing some pregnant women in the region.
According to her account, she was advised to be transferred by “blue light ambulance” to Aberdeen Maternity Hospital to give birth.
But her “gut instinct” told her she risked giving birth in treacherous weather conditions.
The campaign group says the current system in Moray is “clearly failing mums and babies”.
NHS Grampian do not comment on individual cases but said decisions around any birth are “made in partnership with women and families”.
Dr Gray’s downgraded in 2018
The maternity unit at Dr Gray’s was “temporarily” downgraded from consultant-led to midwife-led in summer 2018 as a result of staffing shortages.
Only more straightforward births can take place in Elgin. Most are facing either a 90-minute trip to Aberdeen or a 60-minute journey to Inverness.
Four years later, consultant-led births are yet to be offered again at Dr Gray’s.
NHS Grampian says plans are in place to make this a reality by late 2026 or early 2027 – if enough staff can be found.
‘Anxious’ woman’s experience
The woman, who remained anonymous, told Keep Mum that on January 19 she began to feel contractions and noticed a “small amount” of bleeding so went straight to Dr Gray’s for a check-up.
During her initial examination, she was told there was “no obvious reason” for her bleeding but that she should be transferred by ambulance to Aberdeen.
She said weather conditions were bad with “very heavy snow falling” and was told she should start her journey as soon as possible, with her partner following behind.
The woman said: “I explained that during my first labour I progressed very quickly and the risk of giving birth roadside this time was very high.
“I also was very concerned about my partner having to drive through in our own car in terrible conditions.
“I was told that I could refuse to go, however this would be against medical advice and the current protocol.
“It felt for us there was a lot of pressure to make a decision quickly. If we were to go, we needed to leave as soon as possible as the snow conditions outside were getting heavier.
“To say I was anxious is an under statement.”
She said the stress of the situation caused her heart rate to “increase significantly”, making more of a case for a potential transfer to Aberdeen.
But the woman said her contractions were getting stronger and more regular and she knew she “did not have time” to make the 65-mile journey.
“My partner and I decided that we would go against medical advice and chose to remain in Dr Gray’s,” she added.
My story is no reflection on the quality of care at Dr Gray’s or ARI, more an example of how current situation is not sustainable and has the potential to put woman at risk.
“At this stage I was examined again and I was already 6cm dilated. My gut instinct had been right.
“I was then taken straight through to the delivery suite and a short time later was holding my beautiful baby boy in my arms.”
The woman praised staff at the hospital for what became a “really relaxed and positive birth experience”, aided by an “exceptionally lovely” midwife.
But the mum added: “No labouring mother should be put in the position where she feels she has to make a decision to go against medical advice.
“My story is no reflection on the quality of care at Dr Gray’s or ARI, more an example of how current situation is not sustainable and has the potential to put woman at risk.
“Thankfully my story has a happy ending, and as I type my healthy baby boy is sleeping contentedly on my chest.”
‘Positive birth experience’
Marj Adams, Keep Mum campaigner, said they were pleased the woman had gone on to have a “positive birth experience” in Elgin.
“This mum clearly has fast labours and the wintry road conditions on January 19 were risky”, said Ms Adams.
“The mum and her partner carried the burden of making a huge decision about staying in Dr Gray’s Hospital or travelling in horrendous weather.”
In December, NHS Grampian outlined its “ambitious” plans to deliver consultant-led births in Elgin in four years time.
But this is dependent on more funding coming forward from the Scottish Government, as well as more staff being found.
‘Safety is the first priority’
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said: “While we would not comment on individual cases, it is important to highlight that decisions around any birth are made in partnership with women and families.
“Expert advice and guidance is specific to the unique, clinical needs of mother and child.
“Sometimes, during home births or in any of our midwifery units in Peterhead, Elgin, Inverurie and Aberdeen, transfer to consultant-led care is recommended.
“Safety is the first priority when recommendations like these are made and occasionally advice will change based on the circumstances at the time.”
“We are now working towards the development of full, sustainable, consultant-led maternity care at Dr Gray’s Hospital.”
The Scottish Government spokesman said Health Secretary Humza Yousaf welcomed receiving the plan to reinstate a consultant-led unit.
He added: “The plan will now be fully considered by the Scottish Government and the external assurance panel and, once reviewed in full, a further update will be provided to Parliament. The cabinet secretary has met with Keep Mum on regular occasions.”
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