LOCAL patients and health staff have been told to “speak now or forever hold your peace” on the future of the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) emergency surgery.
A large crowd gathered at Fermanagh House on Thursday night for a meeting, organised by Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) to explain to people how to contribute to the current review into the direct and indirect impacts of the suspension of emergency general surgery (EGS) at the Enniskillen hospital.
Local health staff and patients are being urged to contribute to that review, which is being carried out by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).
With the information-gathering phase of the review due to end soon, staff and patients only have until this Monday, August 12, left to have their voices heard.
“This is a case of speak now or forever hold your peace,” said SOAS secretary Helen Hamill. “This is the best opportunity we have.”
Ms Hamill said SOAS had been talking to countless patients, and many staff, over the past two years and had recorded their stories and concerns, however it was now up to both patients and staff to tell their own stories to RQIA.
It has been stressed that all submissions to the review will be kept in the strictest of confidence, and will not be shared with the Western Trust.
Staff and patients have also been reminded their stories or concerns don’t have to be “big or dramatic” but should be either directly or indirectly related to the loss of EGS from the SWAH.
Fr Brian D’Arcy urged both patients, but staff in particular, to “please, please put your head above the parapet.”
“RQIA, no matter how good they are, or how much they are on our side, need evidence. Second-hand stories are not evidence in any enquiry or court,” he said.
To tell your story as a patient call Care Opinion, which is a GB-based independent non-profit organisation, on 08001223135.
Staff and patients can also email reviews@RQIA.org.uk or call 028 95361990.
Staff have been reminded they do not have to give their name when they call, they simply have to state they are a member of staff.
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