In reply, the Minister confirmed that the Dumfries and Galloway Integrated Joint Health Board (IJB) is due to consider a report on the future provision of maternity services in Wigtownshire soon.
Speaking in Parliament this week, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP questioned what steps the Scottish Government would take to end the four year closure of Galloway’s Maternity Services which sees expectant mothers forced to undertake a round-trip of 150 miles to give birth, with mothers and babies put at risk and roadside deliveries occurring.
In her response, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport Maree Todd MSP confirmed that Dumfries and Galloway IJB has asked the Health Board to consider options for the delivery of maternity services in Galloway and that a report on this is to go to the IJB on October 13.
Following this response, Finlay has now written to the Dumfries and Galloway IJB directly to press the need for the review of maternity services in Galloway to be delivered quickly, by clinicians and is independently chaired to ensure confidence in the final recommendations.
Commenting on this, Finlay Carson MSP said: “For four years, pregnant women in Wigtownshire have faced a gruelling journey to give birth while the maternity unit in the Galloway Community Hospital stands empty.
“I am clear that we must see the return of a midwife-led maternity unit in Stranraer as soon as possible. I welcome that the IJB is now actively considering how maternity services should be delivered in Galloway but any review must be independently led by qualified clinicians.
“Even more importantly, any review must be done quickly to ensure that expectant mothers in Wigtownshire get the locally delivered maternity services that they deserve without delay.”
