Maternity review must meet with Caithness campaigners

Caithness, Sutherland & Ross, David Green has today insisted that the newly appointed chair of a review of maternity services in Scotland must meet with campaigners from Caithness.

After years of pressure from the Scottish Liberal Democrats and others, the Scottish Government today announced that Maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt is to lead a review into improving maternity services across Scotland.

Professor McCourt will examine how maternity services can better meet women’s needs across the country, including how care is provided in rural and island areas. This will include specific review of services in Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire

Speaking in the chamber, Mr Green said:

"The Liberal Democrats have long called for an independent review, so I welcome the appointment of Professor McCourt as an independent chair.

"It is imperative that local campaigners and those with lived experience are fully engaged.

"Will the Cabinet Secretary recommend that Professor McCourt will meet with the Caithness Health Action Team and experience firsthand the 100-mile journey that mums-to-be in the far north are required to make?

"And will she also clarify whether the review will examine restoring consultant-led maternity services in Caithness?"

Speaking after the exchange, he added:

"After years of hard work, this is a major win for Caithness Health Action Team.

"I am pleased that we have secured an independent chair. It would not have been right for ministers to mark their own homework.

"I hope that Professor McCourt can now move with pace to speak to those who have had to endure these terrible journeys.

"This review must put first the voices of families across the Far North. That will be my message when I meet Professor McCourt."

ENDS.