Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has voiced his “horror” over the decision to retain the existing arrangements for maternity services in Wigtownshire for the foreseeable future.
He warned that the move would downgrade maternity services.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP said: “I am utterly appalled at the decision that the IJB has taken to downgrade maternity services in Wigtownshire “for the foreseeable future”.
“Make no mistake this is downgrading of the service given that the current position of no birthing facility was said only to be a temporary measure adopted because of staff shortages!
“Chairman of the IJB Cllr Andy McFarlane has the audacity to suggest that the board he chairs is "commitment to patient-centred care"... and that he hoped that you feel your voice has been heard!
But the Conservative and Unionist MSP blasted “What trust can anyone in the West of Dumfries and Galloway have in the NHS board members or councillors to do the right thing for the people of Wigtownshire.
“Let us hope the next stitch up is not relating to the future of our cottage hospitals!”
“It is quite clear that the IJB had their own agenda from the very beginning. Why else would they ignore the views of independent advisers brought in to review maternity services in Wigtownshire.
“In their report they were adamant that maternity services should return to Stranraer but their expert opinion was ignored. It is totally shameful the way they have gone about their business.”
Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board confirmed on Tuesday that following an independently-led review and subsequent public consultation – retaining the home birth model, with no birthing facility at Galloway Community Hospital.
Chairman of the IJB Andy McFarlane said: “One thing I would want to stress from the start is our confidence as a Board in the maternity services as they stand currently across the region, including Wigtownshire.
“It was acknowledged that care is of a very high standard, and it was noted that there is an enhanced over delivered through the Oak Tree Family Centre.”
“The decision about provision of birthing services in Wigtownshire was not an easy one to arrive at, as every member of the Board is acutely aware of calls from communities to have the fullest range of services made available locally.
He continued: “We were fully informed, thanks to the review and the consultation, of the issues faced by expectant mothers in terms of travelling to give birth in Dumfries.
“This is a situation which dates from 2018, when birthing services within Galloway Community Hospital were suspended on a temporary basis due to unexpected staff shortages.
“To be very clear, neither of the two leading options which emerged from the review led by independent chairs NHS Ayrshire and Arran Medical Director Crawford McGuffie and NHS Ayrshire and Arran Executive Nurse Director Jennifer Wilson, and which then went out to consultation, would have seen midwives return on a permanent basis to Galloway Community Hospital.
