First C-sections at hospital in almost seven years

New parents Jacqui Law and Brian Laird with Lucas, the first of three babies to be delivered by C-section since the restoration of the service

Planned Caesarean sections have taken place for the first time in almost seven years at the largest hospital in Moray.

Three babies - a boy and two girls - have been delivered since the return of the service at Dr Gray's in Elgin earlier this month.

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

Services at Dr Gray's were downgraded in 2018 due to staff shortages, forcing most expectant mothers in the area to travel to Aberdeen for births.

A Caesarean section, or C-section, is a surgical operation to deliver a baby through a cut made in the mother's tummy and womb.

Lucas was delivered weighing 8lb 7oz

New mum Jacqui said she felt relaxed during the operation and staff took good care of her.

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.

"I was really excited about possibly being the first C-section here in a while which I did end up being and it was all such a positive experience.

"I'll definitely remember it."

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Mandy Hunter said the first C-sections were a "big step" towards restoring a full service for pregnant women at Dr Gray's.

She added: "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.

"Our priority is making sure families in Moray feel informed, safe, and supported."

NHS Grampian said pregnant women requiring more complex care would be advised to have births at hospital in Aberdeen.

The health board said earlier this month collaborative work with NHS Highland maternity staff based in Inverness was one of the reasons elective C-sections could be reinstated.