A FERMANAGH doctor has said she “never gave up on my dream” after she recently graduated and is preparing to begin her career in medicine in the NHS. Ciara McCaffrey, a former pupil at St Aidan’s High School and Mount Lourdes Grammar School, graduated as a doctor from Queen’s University after five years. She’s now […]
Fermanagh GPs are ‘working harder than ever’
AS THE crisis in our local health service seems to worsen by the week, not least in general practice, a local surgery receptionist has spoken out to the ‘Herald to stress how our local doctors are working harder than ever. In recent years, with a new phone-triage system now in place, Fermanagh patients have been […]
Staff shortages’ hit GP services in Fermanagh
FEARS have grown for GP services in Enniskillen after a voice message left residents worried that they will not be seen by doctors. The voice message on Lakeside Medical Practice at the Erne Health Centre in Enniskillen explained that ‘staff shortages’ would now affect ‘routine appointments’ there. “If you have a genuine medical emergency such as chest pain, stroke […]
Life on hold for Fermanagh patient in pain ‘24/7’
A FERMANAGH woman who has been suffering in constant pain without treatment for almost two years has spoken of how she has been left unable to live her life. Caroline Diver from Enniskillen is one of many local patients left in the lurch by the reduction in local osteoporosis services. More than a year-and-a-half after first being diagnosed with the […]
Fermanagh group SOAS writes to Health Minister
FERMANAGH-based health campaign group, Save Our Acute Services has written directly to the new Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to highlight concerns over the rollout of a review into the impact arising from the removal of emergency general surgery from South West Acute Hospital in December 2022. The group last week welcomed the broad terms of […]
More junior doctors’ strike action in Fermanagh
FURTHER disruption to health services will be experienced in Fermanagh this week, due to the latest strike action being taken by junior doctors. This will run to 7am on Saturday. This follows two 48-hour walkouts last month from May 22-24. Patients are advised to expect widespread disruption to normal services. Health and Social Care Trust websites will […]
Fermanagh pharmacies are feeling the pinch
A PHARMACIST who owns chemist shops in Fermanagh has said they’re ‘living day-to-day’ as the pressure mounts on community pharmacies throughout the North. It’s been widely reported that community pharmacies are coming under increasing strain, with almost 12 chemists closing their doors to the public over the past 18 months. The Department for Health recently […]
More pain for Fermanagh patients
YET another service has gone at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). The Osteoporosis Clinic, which was held once a week and gave essential medical treatment to those suffering from the condition, has closed temporarily due to a staffing shortage. Worse still, some patients are unaware of the closure, and those who do know about it […]
Fighting for rights was ‘my life’, says Benny Cassidy
AFTER almost 40 years of campaigning for better rights for healthcare staff and patrolling the corridors of Enniskillen’s hospitals, Benny Cassidy has parked up his wheelchair for the final time. Since 1985, the much-loved Enniskillen man has been a constant at Fermanagh’s hospitals, first at the Old County Hospital, then at the Erne Hospital, and most […]
‘Unique’ cancer centre to open in Fermanagh
ENNISKILLEN actor Ciarán McMenamin has said that the new multi-million pound Cancer Support Centre in the town will be an ‘incredible place’ for people living with cancer in the county. Later this year, Cancer Focus NI is set to open the first specific Cancer Support Centre in the old Gordon’s Chemist site on High Street in […]