New chapter for Dr Gray's maternity team

Dr Gray's maternity team is preparing for a new chapter as Midwifery Manager Jacqui Keddie moves into a national role and Tracy Thorn takes over as Midwifery Manager for Moray.

Jacqui is beginning a 12-month secondment as Chief Midwife with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, following three years leading the midwifery team in Moray.

During that time, the team at Dr Gray's has continued to develop, with investment in its workforce, specialist skills, training and the environment in which care is provided.

Jacqui has also played a key role in helping spearhead Moray's newly expanded maternity service as it continues the journey towards a full consultant-led service - work that will continue with Tracy in post.

During Jacqui's tenure, births at Dr Gray's have increased significantly since 2023 and the team is now backed by additional sonography capacity and an increase in specialist midwifery roles. Specialist support available locally now includes bereavement and digital midwifery, an advanced psychology practitioner and a dedicated maternity dietitian as well as an administrative team.

Jacqui said one of the developments she is most proud of has been the commitment shown by staff to developing and refreshing their skills, including travelling away from home to undertake additional training.

She said: “It's easy to focus on what we still have to do and sometimes lose sight of how much has changed.

“I'm incredibly proud of the team and their willingness to learn, develop and step outside their comfort zones. They've put a huge amount into developing their skills and supporting the service.

“We might be small, but we're mighty. I've learned so much during my time here and I'm very grateful for the support I've had from colleagues across maternity and the wider hospital.”

Jacqui also paid tribute to the Maternity Voices Partnership and community groups, including Keep MUM, for their continued support for the unit and development of local services.

Tracy brings experience from maternity services across Grampian. She began her career at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital before developing specialist skills as a midwife sonographer in outpatient services. She later worked as a community midwife within the midwife-led birthing unit in Peterhead and has most recently worked with the Family Nurse Partnership, first as a Family Nurse and then as a Family Nurse Supervisor.

She said the breadth of the Moray role was one of the things which attracted her to the post.

Tracy said: “It's a unique role, encompassing inpatient, outpatient, community and remote and rural maternity services. That really aligns with my experience and my passion for providing high-quality care across the whole maternity pathway.

“My priority will be to build strong relationships with colleagues, partners and the local community, taking time to listen and understand what is important to them.

“I want to support maternity services which are safe, high-quality and sustainable for women, babies and families, while also supporting the wellbeing of our workforce.”

Jacqui and Tracy have been working together ahead of the handover, with a focus on the current position of maternity services, workforce skills and development, and the work still required as services continue to develop.

Tracy added: “I've been really impressed by the skills and experience within the Moray team, and the opportunities staff have had to develop. I'm looking forward to working with colleagues and partners across Moray as we continue that work and move towards the full consultant-led service here.”