A freedom of information response from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has contradicted a statement by the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) that there have been no adverse incidents because of the ‘temporary’ withdrawal of emergency general surgery from South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). The freedom of information disclosure was made in […]
SWAH campaign continues unabated in Fermanagh
Premium
THE Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) campaign group is continuing its efforts to connect with communities across the region, with more public meetings planned for October as part of its ongoing fight to protect and restore emergency general surgery (EGS) at the SWAH. With community concern still high and the future of the service uncertain, […]
Future of SWAH services debated at Assembly
The future of services at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) was brought to the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly last week during an adjournment debate led by local MLAs. The discussion provided a platform for representatives to voice serious concerns over the temporary suspension of emergency general surgery (EGS) at the Enniskillen-based hospital. […]
NIAS admits to patient safety concerns
Premium
THE NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) has admitted that delays in its response times are putting patients at risk. In the minutes for its June board meeting, NIAS discussed its 999 response times, citing ‘persistent handover delay’ and staff availability – due to crews over working their scheduled hours – as among the reasons for long delays. The report outlined how the […]
SWAH surgery debated at Stormont
There are now renewed calls for Minister Mike Nesbitt to intervene on behalf of Fermanagh patients.
Fermanagh hotels unite in call to restore EGS at SWAH
Premium
In a united stance, representatives of the Fermanagh Lakeland’s Hotels Association have issued a letter in support of reinstating Emergency General Surgery (EGS) at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). The group expressed deep concern over the significant and direct threat these service cuts pose to the local tourism and hospitality sector, a cornerstone of […]
Councils and Church Leaders unite for equality
Premium
In a powerful display of cross-council solidarity, the two district councils covering the Western Trust area have joined forces to fight for the SWAH. Campaign group Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) has secured formal backing from both Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) and Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCDS) in its ongoing fight […]
Trust to hold workshop to discuss the vision for SWAH
Premium
Save Our Acute Services is calling on the Western Trust management to fully consider the 20 recommendations identified by the campaign as part of its roadmap for South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). The call came after the Trust confirmed to trade union representatives that it would hold a ‘workshop’ after its September [4th] Board meeting […]
Garrison public meeting on future of SWAH surgery
A PUBLIC meeting will take place in Garrison tomorrow, Thursday, 21 August, to discuss the impact of the removal of emergency general surgery from the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen. Campaign group SOAS (Save Our Acute Services) has been invited to speak at the event, where they will present their roadmap and proposals, […]
Mum’s warning after emergency transfer from SWAH
Premium
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 […]