A mum believes she owes the life of her new son to the “phenomenal” maternity staff in Moray who cared for her in her hour of need.
Leanne Maxtone, from Elgin, was rushed to Dr Gray’s Hospital after complications raised the risk of her unborn baby’s oxygen being cut off.
A cord prolapse suffered at home at about 2am had resulted in her baby’s head pressing against his umbilical cord, putting his life at risk.
Within 30 minutes of notifying medics, however, her son Harvey had been born safe and well.
Mrs Maxtone had undergone a rapid caesarean section, which involved her being put under a general anaesthetic.
Yesterday Mrs Maxtone and her husband CJ praised the “professionalism and dedication” of staff at the Elgin unit for saving their life of their beloved first baby, who is now nine weeks old and “thriving”.
She said: “All we can do is thank them from the bottom of our hearts. They are amazing.
“I haven’t in my life met such lovely, kind and caring people.
“If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have a beautiful little baby.
“It could have been the most traumatic experience but I had wonderful midwives holding my hand through the whole thing. I felt so calm and safe in their hands.”
A current downgrade at Dr Gray’s Hospital means only limited procedures are being undertaken in Elgin, with other mothers-to-be being transferred to Aberdeen or Inverness to give birth.
Yesterday NHS Grampian explained that Harvey’s birth was evidence of the “vital service” performed by Moray staff and they were “proud” of the work personnel do.
Mrs Maxtone, meanwhile, believes her experience demonstrates how important it is that it is restored to full strength as soon as possible.
She said: “It’s just such a shame that they can’t do everything in Elgin at the moment.
“If I’d had to be transferred to Aberdeen or Inverness Harvey’s head would have had to have been supported during the whole journey, which would have been virtually impossible for that length of time.
“If the maternity unit hadn’t have been so close he probably would have lost his oxygen supply and things would have turned out differently.
“Our whole family is just so grateful it didn’t turn out that way.”
NHS Grampian is currently drawing up plans to ensure the Elgin maternity unit has a sustainable future following recent staffing crises – but has warned it could take until spring next year before it is back to full strength.
Yesterday campaign group Keep Mum said Mrs Maxtone’s experience shows how vital it is that the wait for the upgrade is kept to a minimum.
A spokeswoman said: “The story is very moving. A baby’s precious life was saved because we have consultants at Dr Gray’s who are allowed to step in when lives are at risk.
“This experience shows how urgently we need the unit to be upgraded to a full obstetric unit.
“Quite apart from providing the service we desperately need, having the unit upgraded would give peace of mind to Moray women and their families.”
A spokesman for NHS Grampian said: “In the most recent Scotland wide maternity survey of parents, Dr Gray’s was rated as one of the highest performing – that is a testament to the team’s hard work.
“We are working to implement our plan for the future of the women and children’s service in Elgin which will put in place the necessary investment and support to allow them to continue to do so reliably and safely over the long term.”
