Implementing A Framework for Maternity ... - Scottish Government

The EGAMS’ report concludes that the current configuration of acute maternity services is no
longer sustainable. This is not about saving money. It is about making the best use of the
skills we have available in the face of the falling birth rate and workforce pressures in
obstetrics and paediatrics. We need to realise the full potential of our midwives. We need to
think across professional and organisational boundaries when planning and shaping our
maternity services. And we need strong leadership and commitment from both managers and
clinicians to carry forward continuous improvement.
The EGAMS’ conclusions and recommendations are based on the best available evidence.
After much hard work, this group of clinical leaders in the field arrived at a strong professional
consensus about the direction for our maternity services. The Executive is guided by that
consensus. We accept that the Group’s conclusions are right for Scotland. We must now begin
the important debate with all our stakeholders in the NHS and beyond about how this vision
can be taken forward.
Mary Mulligan, MSP
Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care
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