NHS Highland has vowed to learn lessons which emerge from an internal probe into Caithness twins who were born 50 miles apart.
A draft report has been completed into the case and the health authority is expected to discuss what, if anything, went wrong in the way the deliveries were handled.
New chief executive Iain Stewart has indicated he is prepared, if necessary, to order an independent inquiry into issues involved in far north mothers travelling to give birth in Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
The woman was one of the majority of far north mothers referred to Raigmore since the downgrading of the baby unit at Caithness General two years ago.
After going into early labour in November last year, she was taken by road ambulance from the Wick hospital.
But it diverted to the Lawson Memorial Hospital in Golspie where the first twin was born.
A doctor and two nurses meanwhile were given a police escort as they raced from Raigmore to look after the new-born.
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It was then decided the woman needed to go to Raigmore to give birth to the second twin.
After abortive efforts to scramble an air ambulance, she was accompanied by two midwives on the drive to the city hospital where the second baby was delivered.
After a six-week stint in the special care baby unit, her parents were able to take them home.
While praising the care she received, the woman has been joined by far north health campaigners in saying that her case highlights the problems which can arise on the marathon treks many pregnant women from the far north now regularly have to undertake.
NHS Highland spokeswoman Jane McGirk said it was keen to address any issues flagged up by the probe.
She said: “We have launched an investigation into this case and the draft report is now being circulated among those involved in the review.
“We’re absolutely committed in getting to the bottom of this and it’s very important that any lessons are learned.”
She said: “After the results of this investigation are known, we might have to look at commissioning an independent review focusing on transport.
“The safety of mothers and babies is our number one consideration and we want to learn any lessons we can in pursuit of this.”
Far north MSP Gail Ross said she is keen the authority carries out a wide-ranging review into the far north maternity service and how the system is coping with pregnant women being referred to Raigmore.
