SNP MSP urged to back independent review of maternity services
Maree Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, is being urged to be “straight with families in Caithness” after it emerged that a promised independent review of maternity services in Caithness will not go ahead.
David Green, the Scottish Liberal Democrat challenger for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, has written to the SNP MSP and urged her to explain to people in Caithness why her government has u-turned on delivering the independent review that she voted for in Holyrood.
That vote at Holyrood on 5 November, then welcomed as an important victory for mums to be in Caithness, saw the Scottish Parliament back a Scottish Liberal Democrat amendment which specifically called for an “independent review of maternity services in Caithness”.
However, details emerged before Christmas from a series of media inquiries and freedom of information requests that revealed the Scottish Government has “no plans” to commission the review it voted for in Holyrood.
In a letter to Mr Green on November 26, NHS Highland’s Chief Executive Fiona Davies explained there will be a Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, instead chaired by an SNP Government Minister.
The issue has been front and centre for many in the county in recent weeks with the severe winter conditions again underlining the plight of mums-to-be who are expected to travel 100 miles or more to give birth at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
David Green, Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said:
“This is about being straight with families in Caithness. As I have said before; this is also a question of respecting the will of Parliament. Too many questions have been left demanding an explanation.
“Given the SNP’s Maree Todd voted for an independent review of maternity services in Caithness, it is only right we expect her government to now deliver. I fear a failure to do so will only further damage trust in our politics.
“Alongside Caithness Health Action Team, I have called for the review to be fully independent. That means a chairperson outside of NHS Highland’s leadership team and beyond the Scottish Government’s oversight, a timeline for delivery, and a commitment to community-led engagement.
“The winter conditions faced across the north underpin the urgency needed in addressing this issue. I will continue to work with others, including cross-party, to make that case.”
ENDS.
Notes to editors:
Please see below the letter to Maree Todd MSP.
Maree Todd MSP
Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Dear Maree,
Re: Independent Review of Maternity Services in Caithness
I hope you had an enjoyable festive break. I am writing following the vote in the Scottish Parliament in favour of an amendment that directs the Scottish Government to commission an independent review of maternity services in Caithness.
As you will recall, the Scottish Liberal Democrat amendment S6M-19512.1 reads:
“notes that, following the downgrading of the consultant-led maternity unit at Caithness General Hospital in 2016, women in Caithness can face a 100 mile trip down the A9 to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness to give birth, and calls on the Scottish Government to commission an independent review of maternity services in Caithness.”
At the time, I welcomed the SNP’s support. Securing it was a win for the women who have shared their concerns and experiences of travelling to Inverness to give birth and testament to the hard work of Caithness Health Action Team.
However, details reported before Christmas from a series of media inquiries and freedom of information requests revealed the Scottish Government has “no plans” to commission the review it voted for in Holyrood.
In a letter to myself on 26 November, NHS Highland’s Chief Executive Fiona Davies explained there will be a Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, instead chaired by the Minister for Public Health and Women's Health. Fiona Davies explained: “The taskforce will review rural service provision, and that will include maternity services in Caithness and Stranraer.” This has also been confirmed by a Scottish Government spokesperson.
This u-turn raises serious questions concerning the respect for the will of Parliament. MSPs - including yourself - voted for the Scottish Government to commission an independent review of maternity services in Caithness. That is what the public now expects. I fear a failure to deliver will only further damage trust in our politics.
Alongside Caithness Health Action Team and Jamie Stone MP, I have called for the review to be fully independent. We are calling a chairperson outside of NHS Highland’s leadership team and beyond the Scottish Government’s oversight, a timeline for delivery, and a commitment to community-led engagement. We have set out these requests in a letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, which I have attached.
The people of Caithness deserve clarity and transparency. I therefore respectfully ask that you explain your vote on 5 November 2025 and the Scottish Government’s position, including with regards to the request made to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care concerning the nature and scope of the review.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
David Green
Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Caithness, Sutherland, and Ross
