CALLS to reverse the decision over maternity services in Wigtownshire were heard in the highest halls of government this week.
Galloway and West MSP Finlay Carson has challenged the Scots Health Secretary Neil Gray and the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto to urgently reverse the decision and reopen the birthing suite at Galloway Community Hospital in Stranraer.
The controversial decision by NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Integration Joint Board to not re-establish birthing facilities at the hospital has been criticised by both residents and politicians, with Mr Carson arguing that the current maternity arrangement which sees pregnant women having to make a two-hour trip to Dumfries ‘falls well below any minimum standard’.
Speaking in two debates into rural healthcare, the MSP said: “The pros of rural life are rapidly being overtaken by the cons, especially when it comes to accessing health and social care, for starters, resulting in people having to travel great distances to access a range of services often taken for granted by people living in towns and cities.
“Today we are seriously struggling to recruit and retain staff across a wide spectrum of skills ranging from dentistry, midwifery as well as nursing staff with large numbers of vacancies going unfilled, placing an even greater strain on an already under-pressure NHS workforce.”
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP also highlighted the Scottish Human Rights 2024 Highlands and Islands report that outlined the pervasive issues of rooflessness, hunger and limited access to healthcare.
Mr Carson continued: “While the report’s findings are specific to the Highlands and Islands, they also resonate deeply with us in Dumfries and Galloway.
“Like other rural and remote communities, there is a serious crisis within the midwifery sector, something I have previously raised on countless occasions in this chamber.”
“Once again, can I urge the Health Cabinet Secretary and Health Minister to consider an urgent review of this matter – given that they have already given a commitment to ensure mothers and babies all receive maternity care tailored to their needs.”
