Not another review, says MSP

SUGGESTIONS for a government taskforce to look into Wigtownshire’s maternity crisis have been dismissed by Galloway’s MSP.

The matter arose during a parliamentary question when it was noted that maternity negligence has resulted in massive payouts across NHS Scotland.

And Galloway and West MSP Finlay Carson insisted that the government must take action immediately to address the midwifery crisis facing mothers-to-be in Wigtownshire.

But he dismissed suggestions that the creation of a task force would resolve the issue, arguing it was simply ‘another review of a review’. Mr Carson said: “They [ministers] have heard over and over about the issues in Stranraer.

“We have held an independent inquiry, and three independent clinicians have suggested that midwife-led births should carry on in Stranraer, but that suggestion was ignored by the health board.

“The task force provides yet another review of a review. When will the government start to take action and put women’s safety first?”

Scottish Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto refuted the claim saying health and safety was always at the centre of the decision-making process. She commented: “As I have said in previous responses to Mr Carson, the decision on Stranraer was made by NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

“I also represent an island and rural constituency, and I have been clear that health boards must provide the best support that is possible for women during their pregnancy journey.”