The service will be reduced due to the lack of passengers using the services. 

A spokesman for the Unison Trade Union within SWAH believes, “for this service to have been any value for the staff on site, the times arriving at the SWAH did not coincide with any of the shift patterns of the staff. This was not ‘staff friendly’ and although I am sorry to see this service go I can understand.”

They continued saying, “There is going to be a reduction in the services that come to the SWAH site. Whilst I can understand the ‘use it or lose it’ stance of the Translink service I would have some concerns still that I have always communicated from the start. 

It also contradicts the Trust promotion of using other services to come to the site whenever we discuss the lack of available parking spaces.”

A statement from Translink NI has confirmed the reduction,

“After monitoring usage of a number of bus services operating to the South West Acute Hospital, we are planning to reduce service levels due to low passenger numbers.

“We are unable to continue these services going forward as we must make the best use of available resources to ensure those provided are sustainable; and to provide better services overall.

“Local town services 397A will continue to serve the hospital, as will services to Omagh and Irvinestown and we will continue to monitor the market and review service levels in line with customer demand.”