MATERNITY services look set to return to the Galloway Community Hospital following an independent review.
Birthing services were temporarily suspended on site in 2018 due to staffing pressures.
But now a review is recommending they are brought back.
The final decision will be made by members of the region’s Integration Joint Board (IJB)’s Transformation and Innovation/Futures Committee when they meet next Thursday.
If agreed, a community maternity hub would be re-established providing an on-call birthing midwifery unit, and other maternity services.
It is understood that such a move would require changes to the hospital’s Clenoch Birth Centre, including an upgrade of facilities and equipment at a cost of around £103,000. Staff will also need up-to-date training in obstetric emergencies before maternity services can properly resume.
The recommendation has been warmly welcomed by Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson, who has long campaigned for the return of local midwifery services in Wigtownshire. He said: “This is one step towards the result that many families, mothers and mothers-to-be have been calling for.
“Sincere thanks must go to them and to others for their input into the consultation period.
“I warmly welcome the recommendations made by the independent reviewers, who found that Galloway Community Hospital should offer a community maternity hub and on call midwifery unit.
He will continue to pressure the IJB, adding: “Now we need to see urgent action being taken by the IJB to implement the recommended measure that will see this service delivered asap.” possible.”
