Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has challenged the First Minister and Health Secretary to visit Stranraer to discuss maternity services.
He invited John Swinney and Neil Gray to hear the “real concerns” surrounding maternity services in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP believes it is important that they listen to constituents’ fears regarding the lack of maternity services in the town.
It comes after a group of cross party MSPs met with the Galloway Community Hospital Action Group earlier this week.
Speaking at First Minister’s questions, Mr Carson said: “Despite the warm words, but empty words from health ministers, action still hasn’t been taken to ensure that women don’t have to travel 70 miles to give birth.
“Will, the First Minister and Health Secretary join me and the other cross party MSPs in visiting Stranraer to hear the concerns of the constituents there.”
The First Minister responded by confirming that he was “familiar” with the issues that Mr Carson raises with him.
He continued: “Of course, there will be a dialogue and engagement with health ministers on this question.
“Many of these points are related to the judgements that are made about clinical safety, and that’s in the government and I would hope this issue would be accepted within Parliament.”
Mr Swinney confirmed the government has to “take seriously” the advice it receives on clinical safety around the number of births that take place in particular areas and the degree of specialism that will be undertaken.
The First Minister concluded, adding: “And the assurance I give Mr Carson is the government will always consider very carefully the clinical advice that we’re given in that respect.”
