Junior doctor resignation puts Dr Gray’s Paediatric Ward back in danger

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DISAPPOINTMENT HAS BEEN expressed over news that the children’s ward at Dr Gray’s Hospital was yet again under threat.

Douglas Ross had requested NHS Grampian inform him of any changes to the status of Ward 2 at the Moray hospital.  The MP revealed that they had now told him that from February 19 the ward will become an ‘ambulatory ward’ – fully staffed by nurses and open 24 hours a day.

However, with insufficient junior doctors a decision will be taken inside the first four hours on if treatment has been effective and the child can go home or if a transfer to Aberdeen should come into effect.

Mr Ross expressed disappointment and concern that yet again the service in Moray was being exposed to staffing issues: “I have been told by NHS Grampian that it had been able to get enough doctors onto the rota for the children’s ward but there has been a resignation from the pool and it has not been deemed safe.

“Clearly the safety of children must be the top priority – but it is concerning again to see that sick children in Moray may have to travel to Aberdeen for treatment.

“I understand that children who attend at Ward 2 will be assessed there, and then a paediatrician will decide after four hours if treatment has been successful and the child can go home. But if more treatment is needed, the sick child will then be transferred to Aberdeen.

“While I’m glad that there will still be a 24-hour service at Dr Gray’s, it is desperately disappointing that yet again Moray parents who have seriously ill children face the prospect of being transferred to Aberdeen.

“I know everyone at Dr Gray’s in working hard to minimise the need to send patients to Aberdeen but these constant threats to the local service are troubling for staff and patients alike.”