Today, Caithness was hit by severe weather conditions – the A9 was closed, with the snow gates having to be closed at Berriedale. People were stranded in the sub-arctic conditions, driving was lethally dangerous, and the county was effectively completely isolated north of the Ord. Indeed, at time of writing, the A9 is shut – yet again – at Tomich due to flooding.
For years now, CHAT has been warning of the dangers – mums in labour, unborn babies, and indeed newborn babies, expected to to endure the torturous 100 plus mile journey to and from Raigmore, at all times of the day and night, and in all weather conditions. In 2022 no less than 202 mothers had to make this trip. Yes, 202 out of a total of 210 new mums. That is one every 43 hours……………It would seem that we were very, very lucky indeed today. We have all seen the pictures – cars stuck in the snow, blizzards, freezing temperatures, and the constant risk of an accident. Imagine what could have happened if a mum had been trying to get to Raigmore, and the car had become trapped in the snow or, even worse, slid off the road and down an embankment, with the mother in labour.
There are at least two members of CHAT who were directly involved in the rescue efforts in the great blizzard of 1978, and who know exactly how quickly the road can close, and the speed with which a car can be completely buried in snow. The Ord and Berriedale in particular are very dangerous indeed when the snow hits, and the authorities STILL will not listen when we tell them – over and over again – that they MUST deal with this situation.
MP Jamie Stone said today “”God help any pregnant woman or new mother at this time” and CHAT Chairman Ron Gunn said “Let’s hope and pray no one has to go to Raigmore”.
And on the same note, there is – as usual – much talk of dualling the A9, but precious little about the fact that the A9 does NOT stop at Inverness, or indeed Nigg Roundabout. It is 81 miles from Nigg Roundabout to Scrabster, and the A99 from Latheron to Wick is also in serious need of upgrades. At what point will this be acknowledged and acted upon by our elected leaders?
We MUST have action on the Maternity situation (and remember too all the other patients who have to make this journey), and we MUST have action on the A9 and A99 north.
To all the politicians out there – here is a message for you. You must act – and you must act now. If you do not, then it is – literally – a matter of time before tragedy strikes.
Caithness Health Action Team 