Maternity situation out of ‘Middle Ages’, says MSP

FEARS for the safety of mothers and babies in Wigtownshire, were once again aired at Holyrood.

Scottish Labour MSP Carol Mochan has urged the Scottish Government to listen to campaigners and has described the current situation ‘like something out of the Middle Ages’.

During Health Portfolio Questions, Ms Mochan raised concerns about the current state of maternity care, following the decision by Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board’s to keep Galloway Community Hospital maternity services closed, despite strong local opposition and safety concerns.

Ms Mochan said: “I’m deeply concerned about the lack of maternity care in Wigtownshire, and my heart goes out to all those impacted by the decision.

“There is a genuine human rights concern taking place and it is a gross injustice that the community is not being listened to.

“People are fearful for the lives of mothers and babies, and there have been reports of women being forced to give birth in lay-bys because they couldn’t reach the hospital in Dumfries in time.

“This is not what 21st-century maternity care should look like.

“I strongly urge the Scottish Government to meet with local campaigners. They can provide valuable insight into the realities that expectant mothers in Wigtownshire face.

“The government needs to take this issue seriously and better engage with the community and the Integration Joint Board to find a solution.”