Maternity Closures Decision Due

Campaigners fighting to save rural maternity services in Aberdeenshire are getting a final opportunity to present their case ahead of a decision. NHS Grampian is assessing the future of maternity units at Aboyne, Fraserburgh, Banff and Huntly. The health board has recommended stopping maternity services at the units due to declining birth rates. Several mothers, some with babies, are expected to lobby the board in Aberdeen ahead of a decision on Tuesday.

Clare Lawson, chairwoman of Save Aboyne Maternity, said: “We want board members to understand the strength of feeling in the local community over the proposed closure of our community maternity unit at Aboyne.

“We need the vital services of frontline staff such as the Aboyne midwives far more than managers.

“We urge board members to listen to the local community and vote to keep the Aboyne unit open for deliveries.”

The public has already been given more time to comment on the closure plans. NHS Grampian approved the additional six-week consultation on the future of the maternity units. This was after NHS Grampian commissioned a review from the Scottish Health Council (SHC) due to the “strong public feeling”.

The NHS Grampian board said it accepted the importance of demonstrating the views of patients and local communities had been given the same value as clinical standards and financial performance.

A final decision on the matter will be taken by health ministers.