An Erskine couple who tragically lost their baby son have welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of dedicated funding for pre-eclampsia testing in every health board.

In January 2021, Stuart and Ami Geddes' little boy Clark had to be delivered at just 24 weeks to save Ami’s life after she developed the complication during her second pregnancy.

Sadly Clark passed away at only 12 days old.

As we previously reported in May, the couple and UK Charity Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC) launched Clark’s Campaign to demand access to pre-eclampsia testing in Scotland for every pregnant woman who needs it.

Stuart said: “When Ami and I had Clark, he was perfect, but his lungs just weren’t strong enough and he tragically passed away.

“Since then we’ve campaigned to get proper pre-eclampsia testing for women in Scotland who really need it.

“It’s brilliant news that the Scottish Government is going to fund this thanks to Clark’s Campaign.

“We could not be prouder that our little man’s life will be saving the lives of mums and babies right here in his own country.”

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women, usually during the second half of pregnancy from 20 weeks, or soon after their baby is delivered.

Early signs of pre-eclampsia include having high blood pressure and protein in your urine.

It can cause serious complications if not identified early and carefully monitored.

Placental growth factor (PLGF) testing is a life-saving test which allows the condition to be ruled out on the same day, relieving stress and anxiety for those given the all clear, and allowing treatment to swiftly start for those who need it.

This simple blood test has been in use in the NHS in England since 2016.

APEC said that the Scottish Health Technologies Group recommended it in 2023, but no health boards in Scotland have implemented it.

The campaigners met with First Minister John Swinney on August 8 to discuss the need to secure access to testing across Scotland.

Funding of £259,000 will now be allocated across all of Scotland’s 14 territorial health boards to ensure the PGLF test can be provided across Scotland.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The new placental growth factor-based blood test is an effective way of diagnosing pre-eclampsia and the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring it is available right across Scotland.

“To underline this commitment we are providing funding to be shared across all of our health boards to ensure this service can be delivered in 2024-25.”

Marcus Green, chief executive of APEC, told the Gazette: “There is no doubt that access to this testing will help save the lives of mothers and babies across Scotland, finally giving them the care that they need.

“We launched Clark’s campaign with Ami and Stuart Geddes in memory of their little boy, so that no other parent would have to endure the tragedy of losing a baby to pre-eclampsia.

“It’s because of them and all the other families like them that this result matters so much.”