More babies to be born in Moray as c-sections return to Dr Gray’s

More families in Moray will have the option to welcome their babies into the world at Dr Gray’s Hospital with planned caesarean births set to take place in Elgin again.

Maternity teams in Moray have been given the green light to start planning with parents from this week onwards. It is expected the first births will likely take place in the next few weeks. 

This marks a major milestone in the return of enhanced maternity services to Dr Gray’s and is happening months ahead of schedule, thanks to dedicated staff planning, training and recruitment efforts.

Jane Gill, Programme Director for the NHS Grampian and NHS Highland Maternity Collaborative, said: “This is an exciting step forward, and one that reflects the years of work the teams across Moray, Grampian and Highland have put into strengthening maternity services in Elgin. 

“To safely reintroduce planned c-sections, we’ve built up obstetric, paediatric, anaesthetic, neonatal, and midwifery support – all essential to providing high-quality, sustainable care for Moray families.

“Women who meet the criteria for a planned c-section at Dr Gray’s can now explore this option with their midwife. The team is working with local families to identify suitable dates, ensuring personalised support for each birth. For those requiring more complex care, Aberdeen will remain the recommended option, as has always been the case.

“The reintroduction of planned c-sections is an important step and we continue to work closely with colleagues in Aberdeen, Inverness, and beyond to support families choosing to give birth at Dr Gray’s.”

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Dr Gray’s, Dr Mandy Hunter, added: “Our whole team are really pleased to be able to offer elective Caesarean births in Dr Gray's again. It’s a big step towards restoration of a full obstetric service.

“It’ll make a real difference to local women and families, and I'm sure all our staff who’ve been preparing and training together will be almost as excited as the parents are to welcome more births here.

“Any expectant mums who have questions about what this means for their individual circumstances should have a chat with their midwife or consultant in the first instance to work out their best options together.”

Louise Pearson, Acting Hospital General Manager for Dr Gray’s, added: “This milestone doesn’t just represent a new phase for maternity services – it’s a major step forward for Dr Gray’s Hospital and Moray as a whole. 

“It’s incredibly exciting to be supporting this next stage. Our priority is making sure families in Moray feel informed, safe, and supported. We’re all looking forward to welcoming the first new arrivals over the next few weeks.”

Jane Gill also confirmed that, following this milestone, the team have already switched their focus to the recruitment and other work required to bring about the gradual reintroduction of a fully modernised, consultant-led maternity service at Dr Gray’s Hospital – due to be delivered by the end of 2026.

The latest phase of Moray's dedicated “Wish You Worked Here” recruitment campaign launched at the end of March, drawing tens of thousands of views from potential applicants in its first week alone from across the UK and beyond. This, the third phase of the campaign, focuses on attracting obstetricians, anaesthetists, paediatricians, and theatre staff to support the next stage of Moray’s new maternity service.