Staff shortages lead to temporary reduction in opening hours at Caithness maternity unit

NHS Highland is reducing the opening hours of Caithness General Hospital's maternity unit as a temporary measure due to staff shortages.

The community midwifery unit normally operates between 8am and 8pm. From Monday (March 1) the unit will be open from 9am-5pm, Monday to Sunday. NHS Highland said Raigmore Hospital's labour suite will triage calls outwith these hours.

Caithness midwives will continue to provide out-of-hours cover and support local births.

Mary Burnside, NHS Highland’s depute director of midwifery, said: “We want to reassure all pregnant women and their families living in Caithness that this change will not impact on the level of care or support provided from Caithness General Hospital.

“This is a temporary measure due to staff shortages. The service will be supported by the Raigmore Hospital maternity team and a Caithness-based midwife out of hours.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. However, this decision has been made to ensure the safety of mother and their babies.”

Reacting to the announcement, Caithness Health Action Team tweeted: "Maternity is not a 9-5 service. Is this a fair and reasonable service for Caithness mothers and families?"

Related stories:

• Health campaigners hope new maternity unit will allow more births in Caithness

• New midwifery unit set to be built at Wick hospital

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