Far North MSP seeks guarantee about Raigmore neonatal service

Highland MSP David Green has warned neonatal services are on the line unless the Scottish Government commits to securing the local unit at Raigmore Hospital

The Scottish Government intends to implement a long-held plan to centralise neonatal intensive care units in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh, a cut from eight to three.

The British Association of Perinatal Medicine said larger centres improve the chances of the sickest babies through highly trained specialist staff, equipment and surgery. But the plan is controversial and there has been a lack of clarity on whether the Raigmore local neonatal unit – a less specialised facility – would remain.

The Scotsman revealed that data showed that the neonatal unit at Raigmore was closed to new admissions for 231 days between 2023 and 2025. Citing those figures in the chamber on Tuesday [6 October], Mr Green pushed for clarity on the future of Raigmore’s neonatal unit, saying:  “The National Childbirth Trust said that those figures raised serious questions and warned that, when women lose access to their local service, their choice is reduced and their confidence can be undermined."

He added: “Can the minister reassure my constituents that plans to rebalance investment and deliver on other NHS capital projects will finally result in progress being made on the redesign of our local neonatal unit at Raigmore?"

In response, the Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “I can reassure the member that a certain level of care will continue to be provided by local neonatal units. However, babies from the Highlands and Islands have always had to travel to Aberdeen to access the very specialised care to which the reorganisation and remodelling relate."

Following the exchange, David Green MSP said: “The Scottish Government must be clear about the long-term future of the local neonatal unit at Raigmore.
"It is disappointing that the Minister fell short of reassuring my constituents that progress would be made on refurbishing the unit at Raigmore, thus securing its future. These plans must remain a priority and taken forward without further delay.”

ENDS.