FERMANAGH Stroke Support Group are out and about around the county ahead of the final stroke consultation deadline. 

 After years of passionate local campaigning to keep the ward five open, this is the last chance for Fermanagh people to submit their views to have their say in the fight to keep the stroke unit. 

Earlier this year, local people came out in force to two public meetings organised by the Department of Health. 

Around 1,000 people attended the two meetings mostly to voice their objection to the closure or downgrading of the stroke unit at SWAH – one of the top performing stroke units in the UK. 

The deadline date for the consultation on ‘reshaping stroke care’ has been moved from August 2nd until August 30th, and so far, there has been over 4,000 consultation documents completed by people in Fermanagh.

 The consultation, which is being carried out by the Department of Health includes six options on the future of stroke services with four of the six options seeing the closure of the stroke unit at SWAH. 

 If the stroke unit at SWAH is closed, there are fears that it could result in an increase in fatalities or disabilities if crucial treatment is delayed or made unavailable locally.

In a last ditch attempt to get as many forms filled in as possible, Fermanagh Stroke Support Group is holding their final drop in information sessions at various locations throughout the county. 

Tonight, Wednesday August 21st, the group will be in the Knocks Hall from 6pm to 9pm.

Tomorrow, Thursday August 22nd, the group will be in the Derrygannon Hall in Roslea from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and Ederney Town Hall from 5pm until 9.30pm. 

 In a statement announcing the consultation extension, the Department of Health said, “The Department has received a number of requests to further extend the public consultation periods on reshaping stroke and breast assessment care. The Department has repeatedly made clear that it wants as many people as possible to take part in these important consultations. The extension underlines that commitment.”