Health Secretary Jeane Freeman will today visit Elgin to discuss Dr Gray’s Hospital.
Last night, calls were made demanding full restoration of maternity services at the Moray health facility.
Calls have been made by Conservative politicians after a post last week on social media by NHS Executive Lead for Moray, Pam Dudek, cast doubt over whether the restoration of maternity services would be delivered by spring.
Within the post it was revealed that 280 women gave birth at the Elgin hospital, averaging approximately five each week.
Councillor Tim Eagle, who leads the conservative group on Moray Council, said the statement suggested that there are “risks associated with the continuation of the current model” causing him concern.
Douglas Ross MP called for change after having first-hand experience of the service.
He said expectant mothers in Moray face a “lottery” over where they will be taken to in order to deliver, adding: “This is madness and it is putting lives at risk.
“It’s just not acceptable that women have to face travelling the A96 when heavily pregnant and in labour.
“The journey just adds to the stress of the situation, at what should be an exciting time.”
He said failure to make any change by the Scottish Government and Health Secretary is “letting people in Moray down.”
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston added: “Expectant mothers in Moray have now had to endure two winters of travelling to Aberdeen and, in some instances, even further afield.
“This is totally unacceptable.
“Local families, particularly those who will be relying on Dr Gray’s over the next few months, deserve clarity from the Scottish Government on when the full maternity service in Elgin will be restored”.
