Human rights report could be a turning point for Wigtownshire maternity services
Campaigners want the Cabinet Secretary to ‘put pressure on the health board.
It's hoped a human rights report could be a turning point in returning maternity services to Wigtownshire.
The Scottish Human Rights Commission found people in remote and rural parts of Scotland were struggling to access the necessary health care.
It highlighted the decision from the Integration Joint Board (IJB) not to reopen birthing services at Galloway Community Hospital.
Campaigners have now written to the health secretary, urging him to independently review that decision.
Retired GP and member of the Galloway Community Hospital Action Group Angela Armstrong said: “We hope that the Cabinet Secretary can help by putting pressure on our health board to understand the issues of which we have been fighting for quite some time now.
“We therefore wish to have a return of some maternity services in our local hospital in Stranraer where normal low-risk births can take place in safety.”
Left with no choice
Armstrong says that the needs of pregnant mothers were ignored by the IJB at their meeting in October, so it has led to this.
“This seems the only good step forward for our concerns. Our health board do not seem to be listening to us.”
Will fight to the end
Mothers in labour in the Wigtownshire area have to travel a minimum of 70 miles to Dumfries to give birth but there have been some cases where babies have been born on road ends or in laybys.
Armstrong along with other members of the action group says enough is enough and they will see this to the end.
“Our action group is now looking at how the issues in our forgotten area are against the rules of human rights and we will pursue this until we have a resolution to this problem.”
NHS Dumfries and Galloway says “recent years have seen an enhanced range of maternity services delivered within Wigtownshire.
“In respect of transfers, we actively engage with the Scottish Perinatal Network to ensure a Once for Scotland approach”.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“Maternity care decisions, including around place of birth, should be made by women in discussion with their midwife and obstetrician, based on their individual needs. NHS Boards aim to provide services close to home, but they must be safe, sustainable, and meet local needs.
“We understand challenges in rural areas, where services must balance local population needs with safety. This includes how pregnant women are assessed and when they should be admitted to hospital.
“The decision to retain the current model in Wigtownshire was made by the Integration Joint Board in Dumfries and Galloway, after an independent review and local consultation. The Scottish Government supports local Health and Social Care Partnerships to provide the best care for their communities.”