Issued: 23 Sep 2024
The midwifery service in East Sutherland is set to change following the separation of midwifery from nursing services in the area.
From the beginning of October East Sutherland will have a midwifery service similar to all other areas in NHS Highland and indeed most areas throughout NHS Scotland and this will mean an end to the combined community nurse/midwife role the area has been used to.
Mary Burnside, Lead Midwife for North Highland Community Health Partnership, is keen to stress that although this is a different model to the one East Sutherland is traditionally used to there will be no reduction in the current midwifery service provision.
She said: “Sustainability of the dual duty model in Sutherland had become increasingly difficult, not least in terms of attracting suitably qualified staff to vacant posts. There are only 70 to 80 maternity cases a year in the area.
“The new midwifery service will be available 7 days a week, with women receiving care as planned at home and at clinics in their local GP practice, health centre or main hospital.”
Three midwives have been employed for the East Sutherland team and will take on management of the maternity caseload as of the 1st October.
Contact details are:
East Sutherland Community Midwives
Community Midwives Office
Lawson Memorial Hospital
Golspie
KW10 6SS
Telephone 01408 664051