Carol Mochan MSP has urged the Scottish Government to improve the care and standardisation of miscarriage services.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament last week, the Scottish Labour MSP emphasised the need for ongoing improvements to miscarriage and stillbirth care, ensuring that future generations do not face the same challenges.
A 2023 scoping report on miscarriage care within NHS Ayrshire and Arran highlights that University Hospital Crosshouse is the primary miscarriage care facility in Ayrshire and Arran. While Ayrshire and Arran sites state that individuals are free to choose the management approach that best suits their needs, the geography of Ayrshire and Arran can impact their ability to access preferred care options.
Ms Mochan has agreed to meet with the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health in a cross-party meeting to further discuss issues in accessing services.
The debate comes as the Scottish Government introduces its “Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care in Scotland”, which sets out key actions for NHS boards across Scotland to enhance levels of care. Ms Mochan questioned the government on how the framework will ensure compliance and monitor progress in improving services.
Carol Mochan, Scottish Labour’s Public Health, and Women’s Health Spokesperson, said:
“I want to acknowledge the deep emotional toll that miscarriage and stillbirth have on individuals and their families. It is a grief that is often unspoken, and it is crucial that we recognise the profound impact it has on the many women and families.
“We know that there are many inequalities when it comes to accessing health services - often due to financial or geographical differences - and that this can often have a significant impact on pregnancy and infant mortality.
“We also know that people from our poorest communities access services less readily or much later than affluent families. Addressing that must be part of any government strategy.
“Workforce planning is essential if we hope to improve access to services and provide women with appropriate support and care.
“I intend to scrutinise this framework to ensure our communities receive the best outcomes in this area of care.”
