JUNIOR doctors in Fermanagh and across the North have begun their first ever strike action, taking to the picket lines this morning (Wednesday) as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions. Anyone with a hospital appointment today is likely to have it rescheduled, with “significant disruption to hospital services” expected as a result of the industrial action, which […]
Fears SWAH could lose acute status
CONCERN is growing that the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) could lose its ‘acute’ status, after it emerged the Western Trust is considering changing the name of the hospital. Recently released minutes from a meeting of the SWAH Strategic Development Group – which was set up by the Trust to oversee the future development of the Enniskillen hospital […]
Cuba could provide assistance in SWAH staffing crisis
WITH the Western Trust continuing to struggle to recruit and retain medical staff to work at the SWAH, help with the crisis may be on the way from across the Atlantic. Last week a letter from the Embassy of Cuba was delivered to the Council’s policy and resource committee, indicating the country could be ready to […]
SWAH nurses next to protest on picket lines
NURSES from the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen took part in two day-long strikes for more pay in the past week. Thousands of nurses took to the picket lines at hospitals across the North last Thursday and yesterday (Tuesday). Despite the wintery conditions, nurses of all ages and levels were out in force at the SWAH throughout the two days of protests. Independent […]
Surgery threat putting students off training at SWAH
Claims Fermanagh is now “missing out on good doctors” as students are being put off studying at the SWAH due to the threat to its services.
Maple Healthcare agree meeting to alleviate patients concerns
STAFF AT Maple Healthcare in Lisnaskea have agreed to meet local councillors to determine if any “positive changes” can be made in relation to patients’ concerns over not being able to arrange an appointment with their GP. A statement issued to the Herald said the practice, representatives from the Health and Social Care Board and […]
Retention of doctors major problem for local hospital
Location of SWAH big issue for recruiting health professionals
Mother’s anger as no doctor on duty at out of hours
A MOTHER has hit out after she was left waiting for hours for a call back as there was no doctor on duty at the local Out of Hours GP service. The woman, who did not wish to be named, contacted the Herald after the incident earlier this month. “We said it was an emergency […]
‘Pay for GP care’ could be inevitable
GPs could be set to leave the NHS in protest of a lack of action on the current crisis in general practice.