Dr Gray’s Hospital’s maternity team welcomed three new little faces into the world on Wednesday (23 April), as planned caesarean c-sections returned to Moray as part of the delivery of a new enhanced, sustainable obstetric service.
The team were absolutely thrilled to support the families of a boy and two girls, including Jacqui Law and Brian Laird from Keith, whose baby, Lucas, was first in line to meet them, weighing 8lb 7oz. Lucas is the couple’s first child and they are absolutely delighted with their experience from start to finish.
Many more families will now have this option available to them, in discussion with their midwifery team. This marks a major milestone in the return of enhanced maternity services to Dr Gray’s and is happening months ahead of schedule, thanks to dedicated staff planning, training and recruitment efforts.
Proud parents Jacqui and Brian with new baby Lucas
Jane Gill, Programme Director for the NHS Grampian and NHS Highland Maternity Collaborative, said: “We’re just tickled pink for the families who have benefitted from the new service this week. All arrivals went smoothly thanks to the dedication, exemplary care and expertise of our team who have been working closely with colleagues across Moray, Inverness and Aberdeen to strengthen maternity services in Elgin for some time.”
New mum Jacqui, who is pleased to celebrate the arrival of baby Lucas, commented on her experience of being the first family to benefit from the new service. She explained: “It was all very relaxed, everyone took very good care of me. We were impressed with all the nurses and midwives, everyone involved in the theatre room.
“I know one of the nurses who works in theatre, one of my best friends, and she was there so that made the experience really happy and positive as well. I was really excited about possibly being the first c-section here in a while which I did end up being and it was all such a positive experience. I'll definitely remember it."
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Dr Gray’s, Dr Mandy Hunter, added: “Our whole team are really pleased to be able to offer elective Caesarean births in Dr Gray's again. It’s a big step towards restoration of a full obstetric service.
“Any expectant mums who have questions about what this means for their individual circumstances should have a chat with their midwife or consultant in the first instance to work out their best options together.”
For pregnant women requiring more complex care, Aberdeen will remain the recommended option for birth, as has always been the case.
Louise Pearson, Acting Hospital General Manager for Dr Gray’s, added: “This milestone doesn’t just represent a new phase for maternity services – it’s a major step forward for Dr Gray’s Hospital and Moray as a whole. Our priority is making sure families in Moray feel informed, safe, and supported.”
The team is now focusing on the work required to bring about the gradual reintroduction of a fully modernised, consultant-led maternity service at Dr Gray’s Hospital – due to be delivered by the end of 2026.
The latest phase of Moray's dedicated ‘Wish You Worked Here’ recruitment campaign launched at the end of March, drawing tens of thousands of views from potential applicants in its first week alone from across the UK and beyond. This, the third phase of the campaign, focuses on attracting obstetricians, anaesthetists, paediatricians, and theatre staff to support the next stage of Moray’s new maternity service.