AN UPDATE on maternity services in Wigtownshire was noted at Dumfries and Galloway Integration Joint Board (IJB) on Tuesday.
Members heard that the Finance, Performance and Quality Committee had received the update in July, and from that had taken assurance that the approach which was agreed by the IJB last September on birthing services was being delivered safely.
Speaking after the meeting, IJB Chair Kim Dams said: “A decision was taken last year not to reintroduce a birthing service within Galloway Community Hospital for purely low-risk births, but with a request to receive a subsequent assurance on how this position was being implemented.
“Almost one year on from that decision, I’m pleased to note that the IJB sub-committee stated that they were satisfied with the progress.”
Ms Dams added: “The update the sub-committee received noted that the maternity service workforce is stable, with an effective on-call model, and with low-rates of births occurring before arrival at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary (DGRI). In 2024, that rate stood at 0.9% overall, and 0.09% in Wigtownshire.
“There were 692 births across the entire region between September 2024 and June 2025. The percentage of pregnancies in Wigtownshire assessed as low-risk was noted to have decreased – from 16% in 2023 to just 15% of all pregnancies in the area in 2024.
“Pre-planned home births continue to be offered in Wigtownshire for that small percentage of low-risk pregnancies, but all high-risk births in the region take place at DGRI under a consultant-led maternity service supported by an on-site neonatal intensive care unit.”
Enhanced pre-natal and post-natal services delivered through the Oak Tree Family Centre in Wigtownshire include provision of local ultrasound scanning and consultant obstetrician clinics, significantly reducing the need for travel during pregnancy.
An updated equality impact assessment (EQIA) has now been produced and is due to come to the Finance, Performance and Quality Committee at a later date.