THREE midwives at the Community Maternity Unit at Vale of Leven Hospital have been exonerated after they were accused of 'sub standard' care towards an expectant mother whose baby was born with complications.

Fiona McClung, Janice Elizabeth Dalrymple and Pamela Ann Campbell faced the prospect of being struck off at a hearing of the Nursing and Midwifery Council's Conduct and Competence Committee.

However, the committee found that all three had no case to answer, which related to events leading up to the birth of the baby at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley.

The case relates to the birth of the baby in October 2013.

The baby was born with complications after the mother was transferred from the CMU at the Vale to the RAH.

Following delivery, the baby, known only as 'Baby A,' spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

In 2014, the parents launched a complaint against the three midwives, stating concerns over the mother's (Patient A) "care in labour" and subsequent "transfer."

It was also stated the baby was born via forceps in the operating theatre, was delivered in "a poor condition" and "required resuscitation."

The three accused had midwifery experience of more than 80 years combined.

In all three cases the committee found there was no case to answer and "no evidence" to support a finding of impairment of fitness to practise.

The Reporter was unable to contact Mrs Dalrymple, who retired from midwifery in November 2015, for a response, at the time of going to press.

But Jillian Merchant of Thompsons Solicitors, who acted for Mrs Campbell and Mrs McClung said: "Ms Campbell and Ms McClung are hugely relieved by the decision of the NMC.

"The last three years have been exceptionally difficult, professionally and personally, as they have sought to serve the midwifery profession, to which they have dedicated their entire career, while having an NMC investigation hanging over their heads."

Ms Merchant confirmed that both women are now looking forward to continuing working at the Vale.

Ms Merchant added: "This was entirely the right outcome for these women.

"I am very pleased that the submission of no case to answer was accepted by the Panel.

"It is, however, disappointing that it has taken so long to secure justice for these women.

"This is a case in which there was never any realistic possibility of a finding of impairment of fitness to practise and I question why this case ever reached a hearing."

Gillian Smith, Director for Scotland at the Royal College of Midwives, said: "These processes can be very long and drawn out for the health professionals, and also importantly for parents, patients and relatives, indeed for all those involved.

"The toll this takes, both mentally and physically, can be significant, and can have an impact on the wellbeing of all.

"For this reason we would like to see more rapid resolutions of cases.

"The system is speeding up and there have been improvements in the speed with which cases are completed, but we would certainly like to see this improve even more.

"It must be borne in mind, however, that cases can be complex, with a lot of information and detail to be examined, and it is crucial that all this information is taken account off, and considered, before decisions are reached."

There is uncertainty surrounding the CMU as there are proposals to shut the unit and transfer all births from the Vale to the RAH in Paisley, or the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, in the south of Glasgow.

An engagement process on the proposal was launched by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in September.

Views can be expressed at Public.Involvement@ggc.scot.nhs.uk