Minister rejects maternity plans

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Health Minister Andy Kerr has rejected controversial plans to close maternity services in Aberdeenshire.

NHS Grampian has been told to go back and think again over proposals to close maternity services.

Mr Kerr has instead asked the health board look at setting up rural birth units in Aboyne, Fraserburgh and Banff.

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles said: "This is tremendous news and the best early Christmas present that we could have hoped for."

Mr Kerr said he wants to make sure low-risk mothers have the choice of giving birth close to their homes.

I would congratulate everyone who has been involved in the Save Aboyne Maternity (Sam) campaign Mike Rumbles MSP

He said: "When it comes to maternity services the safety of mother and child should always be paramount.

"With low birth numbers, not all of the community midwife units in Aberdeenshire are sustainable. However, it's also important to try to offer a choice over where women deliver their baby.

"That's why I want the board to consider whether birth units would provide that choice for low-risk mothers in Aberdeenshire's rural communities, and I look forward to seeing the results of their review in the coming weeks."

'Dice thrown'

Mr Rumbles said: "I think it speaks volumes that the minister has agreed every one of NHS Grampian's proposals except those relating to the maternity units at Aboyne, Banff and Fraserburgh.

"He has in no uncertain terms told the board to go back and think again.

"I would congratulate everyone who has been involved in the Save Aboyne Maternity (Sam) campaign as they have put a great deal of effort into this and it has clearly paid off."

Campaigners fighting to save the services made the "last throw of the dice" by meeting Mr Kerr.

The maternity plan was part of a proposed redesign of health services in Aberdeenshire.