North MP urges Humza Yousaf to upgrade women’s health services in Caithness

Women based in Wick have to make a 200-mile round trip to Inverness to access antenatal care including to give birth.

By Chris Cromar

March 27 2023, 4:02 pm

Caithness General Hospital in Wick. Image: DC Thomson.

A North MP has written to the new SNP leader Humza Yousaf calling for a consultant-led maternity services at Caithness General Hospital.

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP, Jamie Stone, said women based in Wick have to make a more than 200-mile round trip to Inverness to access specialised healthcare, such as antenatal care and giving birth.

Jamie Stone, the MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, wants clarity over the vaccination changes in NHS Highland. Image: Sandy McCook/ DC Thomson — Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MSP, Jamie Stone. Image: Sandy McCook/ DC Thomson.

His letter to Mr Yousaf said women are forced to travel this distance to Raigmore Hospital to receive diagnoses and treatment for illnesses, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The calls to upgrade women’s health services have intensified following the news that the Scottish Government has given £6.6 million to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin for consultant-led care.

‘A right to accessible healthcare’

Mr Stone said: “Women in the Far North have just as much a right to accessible healthcare as anybody else in the United Kingdom and yet the Scottish Government has historically stripped them of this right by neglecting local health services.

Dr Gray's maternity services — Dr Gray’s Hospital will be upgrading its maternity services. Image: Jason Hedges/ DC Thomson.

“The Scottish Government and Far North MSPs have failed Highland women. I hope with all my being that as first minister, Humza Yousaf will set aside chasing independence with the blind ambition we have seen up until now and instead focus on delivering for the Scottish people in ways that they truly need.

“Re-instating consultant-led maternity services, or replicating the “Orkney Maternity Model” – a community maternity unit led by midwives and supported by obstetricians – in Caithness would be a good place to start.”

Serious situation

North Highland Women’s Wellness Hub chairwoman, Kirsteen Campbell said: “We welcome Jamie’s continued support.

“Caithness women desperately need the government to look at this situation more seriously before a woman pays the ultimate price.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government added: “Safe maternity care as close to home as practicable is vital and we recognise the challenges facing remote and rural health boards.

“Work is ongoing to ensure services are developed in a flexible way recognising local population needs and geographic challenges.”

Mr Yousaf became the new leader of the SNP earlier today after narrowly defeating Highland MSP Kate Forbes and a vote in parliament should see him become Scotland’s sixth first minister tomorrow afternoon.