Birthing centre's future under fresh scrutiny

Birthing services stopped in Stranraer more than five years ago

The future use of a maternity unit in south west Scotland is being subjected to a fresh round of scrutiny.

An independent review found in favour of a limited return of birthing services at the site in Stranraer.

However, Dumfries and Galloway's Health and Social Care Partnership (DGHSCP) has launched new consultation over its fate.

The issue dates back to early 2018 and means expectant mothers currently have to travel to Dumfries, which is about 70 miles away.

A series of engagement events and consultation were already held earlier this year over the site at the Galloway Community Hospital.

That review ultimately found in favour of a limited reopening of maternity services for "low risk" pregnancies.

Now a fresh round of consultation has been launched to look at whether to pursue that option or continue to offer only home births in the area in such cases.

Birthing services for "low risk" pregnancies could be restored at the Galloway Community Hospital

It was more than five years ago that the centre stopped providing birthing services due to staff sickness.

At the time it was said that recruitment had started and an on-call service was expected to resume "shortly".

Concerns have repeatedly been raised about the lengthy journey facing pregnant women with one estimating she had travelled 7,500 miles to get maternity care.

It looked as if a conclusion had been reached for a limited return of services following the completion of the independent review.

However, DGHSCP has now launched an online survey to gather views once more.

There is also a series of in-person meetings being staged across the area.

The consultation will last until "at least 11 February" next year.

It means a minimum of six years will have passed before birthing services return to Stranraer.

Are you affected by this situation? Email your views on how it has been handled to [e-mail].