Action group 'will continue to fight for better maternity services' for Wigtownshire

The IJB announced the birthing services will remain the same.

Expectant mums will have to continue the 70 mile journey to Dumfries to give birth
Author: Ruth RidleyPublished 25th Sep 2024
Last updated 25th Sep 2024

Campaigners and MSPs vow to fight against the decision to not return Wigtownshire’s maternity services.

The latest update was announced yesterday when the Integration Joint Board (IJB) made it public that expectant mothers will continue to travel 70 miles to Dumfries to give birth.

A decision was meant to be made back in June at the IJB meeting but was pushed back due to the General Election.

The Galloway Community Hospital Action Group has been fighting to bring the facilities back to Stranraer since the unit was temporarily closed in 2018 due to a lack of midwives.

Now campaigners say the meetings, reviews, and consultations were in vain, and that it was a 'done deal' all along,

Retired doctor and member of the Galloway Community Hospital Action Group Angela Armstrong fears for current and future mothers forced to take the journey up the A75.

“I am extremely disappointed because it means there is no end to the number of births that we’ve seen over the last few years taking place at laybys and farm road ends.”

'Letting down mothers-to-be'

Armstrong doesn’t believe their concerns were considered:

“I don’t think I’ve been listened to; I don’t think our action group has been listened to, and I especially don’t think that the mothers who are scared to get pregnant in this area because they’re scared to give birth in unacceptable places were listened to.”

Local MSPs are urging the Scottish Government to intervene in the Wigtownshire maternity services row.

This decision is letting down mothers-to-be in the region, according to Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth.

“Those mums came forward to tell their stories, to take part in consultation after consultation thinking they would be listened to.

“The independent review made a clear recommendation that in-hospital births should be reintroduced, and it is utterly shocking that members of the IJB have completely ignored that.

“What is the point of having a review if you reject the findings because it doesn’t suit your pre-determined position?”

'We will continue to campaign'

Conservative MSP Finlay Carson echoes Smyth’s views and says he “will be writing to the Health Secretary Neil Gray about this”.

“What we’ve had was a lengthy consultation, delayed by the General Election as we know, where the IJB who have taken the decision which is quite bizarre.

“You’ve got to question who the members of the IJB actually represent and this in case, it certainly doesn’t appear to be the people, the families, and the women of West Dumfries and Galloway.”

“We will continue to campaign for better maternity services in this area”, Armstong concludes.

Chairman of the Integration Joint Board Andy McFarlane says it was not an easy decision to arrive at, but the status quo represents the 'best and most deliverable' model.

“A great deal has had to be considered here.

“Taking on board the original report, all of the facts, and all of the thoughts and perspectives, the IJB concluded that the status quo represents the best and most deliverable and sustainable model now and for the foreseeable future.

“Introducing this service at Galloway Community Hospital for what would be a small number of eligible expectant mothers would not represent a significant difference from a home birth, as the resources in terms of midwifery staff who would be on hand to provide support would be exactly the same. Only the setting would change.

“In conclusion, the Board agreed that the approach which serves the majority of expectant mothers in Wigtownshire is the one which is reasonable and appropriate for all, but with that continuing option of home birth.

“I want to personally and sincerely thank everyone who took the time to contribute their perspectives, and to help inform this very important decision. I do very much hope that you feel your voice has been heard, and understand the reasons behind this decision.”

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