Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin welcomes first c-section baby in seven years

A hospital in Elgin has welcomed it’s first babies born via c-section in seven years.

Dr Gray’s Hospital’s maternity team welcomed three babies, a boy and two girls, into the world on Wednesday.

It comes as planned caesareans returned to the hospital’s services earlier this month.

The first baby born was Lucas, weighing 8lb 7oz, to parents Jacqui Law and Brian Laird from Keith.

Lucas, weighing 8lb 7oz, with parents Jacqui Law and Brian Laird from Keith. NHS Grampian

Lucas is the couple’s first child and the parents said they were “absolutely delighted” with their experience from start to finish.

The “milestone” comes after the hospital was downgraded in 2018 due to staff shortages, forcing some expectant mothers to travel to Aberdeen for births.

New mum Jacqui said the experience was “very relaxed” and that everyone took very good care of her.

“We were impressed with all the nurses and midwives, everyone involved in the theatre room,” she said.

She added: “I know one of the nurses who works in theatre, one of my best friends, and she was there so that made the experience really happy and positive as well.”

Ms Law said she was “really excited” about possibly being one of the first c-sections at the hospital.

“I did end up being one of the first and it was all such a positive experience. I’ll definitely remember it,” she said.

Many more families will now have this option available to them, in discussion with their midwifery team.

Jane Gill, programme director for the NHS Grampian and NHS Highland Maternity Collaborative, said the team was “tickled pink” for the families benefiting from the new service.

“All arrivals went smoothly thanks to the dedication, exemplary care and expertise of our team who have been working closely with colleagues across Moray, Inverness and Aberdeen to strengthen maternity services in Elgin for some time,” she added.

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.

“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, said the milestone is a major step forward for Dr Gray’s Hospital and Moray as a whole.

“Our priority is making sure families in Moray feel informed, safe, and supported,” she said.

The team is now focusing on the work required to bring about the gradual reintroduction of a fully modernised, consultant-led maternity service at Dr Gray’s Hospital, which is due to be delivered by the end of 2026.