New consultant obstetrician at Dr Gray’s relocates from Portsmouth to Moray

NHS Grampian has welcomed Dr Kirsty Lees to the Maternity Collaborative team at Dr Gray’s Hospital, which will deliver a full, sustainable obstetric service by the end of 2026.

Dr Lees joined the team at the beginning of the summer, having previously worked as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in Portsmouth on the South Coast of England.

She has a special clinical interest in offering high-risk pregnancy care. This includes supporting pregnant women who have diabetes and other medical conditions which mean until recently they would have had to travel to Aberdeen Maternity Hospital for some aspects of their care.

Dr Lees explained: “I moved to Moray with my family 22 months ago at the start of my maternity leave, to allow us to spend more time in a place that we love. We quickly decided we wanted to make the area our permanent home and it felt like perfect timing when the recruitment campaign for jobs at Dr Gray’s got underway.

“My ambition is to be part of the team who will provide sustainable obstetric-led services to the families of Moray at Dr Gray’s Hospital. We’re well on our way to being able to achieve this and I’m really pleased to be part of it.”

Originally from the Borders, Dr Lees attended university in Aberdeen but didn’t know Moray well until she found a home in Glenlivet to enjoy her maternity leave. She was supported by the maternity team in Elgin and heard about the potential for the team expanding, then the recruitment campaign got underway at just the right time for her.

She’s been getting to know Moray better and said: “I love it here. It offers a good mix of hillwalking, kayaking and other outdoor things. We have enjoyed spending time exploring especially the amazing beaches. It’s a great place to raise a family.”

Talking about her work and what’s next, Kirsty added: “You may meet me in a complex antenatal care clinic or if you need an ultrasound that previously may have required you to travel further afield. There is lots more we can deliver at Dr Gray’s already and I am looking forward to seeing how the service will develop to serve the community as time goes on.”

Maternity Collaborative programme director, Jane Gill commented: “We are so pleased Kirsty is enjoying making Moray her home and has slotted into our wonderful team at Dr Gray’s. We’re beginning to see the benefit of having additional team members and expertise that is helping us to expand the range of services we’re able to offer.

“We are already offering more comprehensive prenatal and postnatal support, and we’re continuing to collaborate across both NHS Grampian and NHS Highland to ensure a seamless care experience for local mums and families.”

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