A large turnout is expected at public consultation events for a review of maternity services in the west of the region.
One-to-one sessions and pop-up stations will shortly be taking place in Wigtownshire to gather views while the birthing suite at Galloway Community Hospital continues to remain closed.
The unit in Stranraer closed in 2018 due to a staffing shortage, resulting in mums travelling to Dumfries to give birth – with some going into labour in laybys along the A75.
Public pressure has led to the health board carrying out an independent review and in January it appointed NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Crawford McGuffie and Jennifer Wilson as independent chairs.
They are being supported by midwifery expert Angela Cunningham.
A spokesman for the region’s health and social care partnership said: “We’re getting close now towards the start of public in-person engagement as part of the review of maternity services in the west of the region, and it’s important that everyone is encouraged to get involved.
“We’re aware that there’s a great deal of interest in the future of maternity services within the area, and we want people to feel supported to contribute their thoughts in whatever manner best suits them.
“If people are free to attend the drop-in sessions we’d be very keen to welcome them along, but equally if they would rather book a one-to-one session, take part in a virtual online session, or complete the online survey.
“The community has a big role to play in shaping the future of maternity services, and we’d ask everyone to help spread the word and encourage the fullest possible participation.
“We look forward to meeting many of you in person, or receiving your thoughts virtually or through the survey.”
The first drop-in session will be held in Stranraer Library on March 7 from 10.30am to 1pm.
That will be followed by one in Newton Stewart’s McMillan Hall on March 14 from 10.30am to 1pm.
The same venue will host one-to-one sessions that afternoon from 1pm to 3pm.
The Stranraer one-to-one will be in the Millennium Centre on March 28 from 10am to 2pm.
Spaces can be booked by emailing dg.maternityservices-comms@nhs.scot
There will also be an online session from 9am to 4pm on March 22, with places available at the same email address.
There is also an online survey that can be completed at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/maternity2023
