Highland mums face human rights violations in maternity care crisis

In recent months, a significant issue has arisen in the Highlands of Scotland, specifically affecting expectant mothers in Caithness. Campaigners have raised alarms about the lack of accessible maternity services, compelling many women to travel over 100 miles to Inverness for childbirth. The downsizing of local healthcare services, particularly affecting the consultant-led maternity unit at Caithness General Hospital, has led to a situation where the majority of local women now give birth far from home. This troubling pattern has been exacerbated by harsh weather conditions, complicating already distressing journeys for many families. Angry residents have voiced their concerns to the United Nations about perceived violations of their rights to health care. They reported feelings of being 'unsafe' and 'terrified' when traveling to Raigmore Hospital for deliveries. Local campaigners, gathered under the Caithness Health Action Team (CHAT), compiled a report detailing these significant breaches of healthcare access, stating that the rights of citizens in Caithness have been substantially impeded over recent years. The submission emphasizes that women in Caithness are left with no option but to navigate harrowing trips at all times, often amidst adverse winter conditions. CHAT’s Vice-Chairman, Iain Gregory, expressed that the issues faced by expectant mothers are indicative of a systemic failure to provide adequate healthcare, urging for the recognition of their plight by relevant authorities. The report has been sent to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, seeking intervention to compel improvements in NHS Highland services. In response, NHS Highland acknowledged the unique challenges in delivering healthcare in remote areas. They highlighted measures taken, such as establishing regular consultant clinics and enhancing the midwifery team in Caithness. However, the campaigners are adamant that these efforts are insufficient to address the fundamental issues and have called for the reinstatement of a consultant-led unit at the local hospital to provide necessary care closer to home. The situation remains precarious as they await a response from the UN, hoping for a resolution to ensure the rights of women and families in their community are upheld.