The withdrawal of emergency general surgery at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) has sparked mounting concern among local residents, many of whom fear the long-term impact on timely and effective care. One local family has now shared their firsthand experience, offering insight into the reality faced by patients following the controversial change. Laura Pickett, who […]
Fermanagh pensioner feels he is being ‘left to die’
A LOCAL pensioner has told the Herald he feels like he is being “left to die” on his own, due to long delays in getting the help he desperately needs. He also feels those responsible for providing the care he needs “don’t care” that he is struggling so much on his own. David Mace is […]
High risk of no GP cover in Fermanagh
AS the GP crisis persists across the local area, patients at a number of rural practices can expect further disruption in the weeks ahead. Over recent years the Western Trust has taken over a number of local practices after the GPs handed back their contracts, including in Brookeborough and Tempo, and Trillick and Dromore. The […]
Concern about collapse of vital service at SWAH
IT IS feared the immense pressure on the local health service could grow even further after it emerged a vital service aimed at reducing hospital numbers is now no longer available at the SWAH. There are concerns the collapse of the Older Person’s Assessment and Liaison Service (OPALS) at the Enniskillen hospital will not only increase attendances at its emergency […]
ED waiting times surged in past year
WHILE waiting times from presentation to admission have increased slightly over the past year, there has been a significant increase at Altnagelvin. Figures for emergency department (ED) waiting times for December 2023 were released by the Department of Health last week. The figures showed an median wait of 14 hours, 19 minutes from presentation to treatment across […]
Jump in number of people infected in county
THERE has been a jump in the total number of people suffering from Covid-19 in the local area. The most recent figures published by the Public Health Agency revealed there are now 27 confirmed in the Fermanagh and Omagh area, a jump of 10 from the previous figure of 17. It is important to note […]