Pregnant women in Angus have reacted to the shock news that Montrose Maternity Unit will be closed for births due to staffing problems.
Some mothers-to-be were given no notice that the facility was closing today and now have to make the difficult choice between giving birth at Ninewells Hospital, Arbroath Infirmary or at home.
NHS Tayside said the board had made the “difficult decision” to close the unit until September due to staff shortages.
Kim Cromar, from Brechin, said the news had caused her “stress she could do without”.
Kim, 33, who is expecting her first child in three weeks with husband Kevin, said: “I had my midwife appointment on Sunday and was told the unit was closing for births.
“My husband and I are totally gutted. We’ve gone through the whole pregnancy at Montrose birthing suite, getting used to the midwives there.
“It’s very daunting as we have never been to the other units and, with it being our first baby, we don’t want a home birth.
“I’m very nervous now. I’ve gone to Montrose for all my appointments and we’ve got to meet the midwives.
“It’s nerve-wracking enough without having to get used to other people.
“Where will they find the staff between now and September? I’m not convinced it will open again.”
Justine Craig, head of midwifery for NHS Tayside, said the unit will continue to provide antenatal and postnatal care as usual.
She added: “The unit, which usually supports approximately 12 births per month, is expected to resume births in September.
“We know that this may be upsetting for some women who had planned to give birth at Montrose.
“However, we must provide a maternity service with appropriately-skilled staff.
“Women in Angus will continue to have the full range of options for place of birth, which include Arbroath CMU, the Dundee Midwifery Unit, home birth or birth in a consultant-led unit at Ninewells Hospital.”
A petition against the temporary closure has been started by Montrose woman Amanda Inglis. She said she was “shocked and disgusted such a decision can be made so quickly, without consulting the public.”