South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the news that some maternity services could be set to return to Galloway Community Hospital as a “step in the right direction”.

However, the local MSP has said that the time for talking is over and that people want action and not more lengthy consultations.

A sub-committee of the region’s Integration Joint Board recently considered a report into the future of maternity services in Wigtownshire with two options.

Option one represents the birthing service currently available in Wigtownshire. It would comprise continued care provision from Community Maternity Hub (Oak Tree Family Centre) and support for home births, but with no provision for intrapartum care within Galloway Community Hospital.

Option two would comprise the continued care delivery from Community Maternity Hub (Oak Tree Family Centre), with the addition of a planned, on call birthing option for low risk births from Clenoch Birth Centre within Galloway Community Hospital. The report stated that option two was the preferred option, but it was decided that it would be recommended to the full IJB that both be taken out to public consultation.

Colin Smyth said: “In 2018, the maternity unit at the Galloway community hospital in Stranraer was shut. We were told that it was a temporary because of a shortage of midwives and since then, women have been forced to travel to Dumfries to give birth.

“While this review is a step in the right direction, I believe there is only one option: reintroducing births to the Galloway. Local people are very frustrated that this situation is only being discussed now, it is long overdue.

“It’s nearly five years since in-hospital births ended at the Galloway and the fact the Scottish Government hasn’t developed a proper strategy in that time to increase the number of midwifes we train, when we actually have a University campus in the region that teaches nursing and midwifery, really does show what a mess NHS workforce planning is in.

“There are Community Maternity Units across the country in areas similar in size and population to Wigtownshire and there is no reason why our area should be treated differently.

“It is utterly unacceptable that women in Wigtownshire face the real fear of having to give birth in a lay-by en route to hospital in Dumfries, which is two hours away, because the community maternity unit on their doorstep is closed.”

The local MSP continued: “I’d like to praise the local community who have tirelessly campaigned for the re-introduction of maternity services in their area, and to the mums who have shared their stories.

“But time for talking is over, we need action on this issue as soon as possible.”