FERMANAGH residents are bracing for the next stage in the battle to save SWAH emergency surgery, with the Western Trust preparing to begin the process of making its temporary removal permanent. Having been suspended in late 2022, this week the Western Trust board will decide on whether to open a consultation on the permanent removal of emergency general […]
Fermanagh campaign group calls for urgent GP action
WITH the ongoing GP crisis in Fermanagh, and to a lesser extent across the North, expected to deepen in the months ahead, local campaigners have urged the Health Minister to provide urgent funding to prevent the collapse of yet more practices. Last week, chair of the British Medical Association, Dr Frances O’Hagan, warned the funding […]
Positive SWAH inspection report welcomed
A RECENT surprise inspection of the critical care unit (CCU) at the SWAH found no formal areas for improvement. The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority’s (RQIA) carried out the unannounced inspection at the Enniskillen hospital in March this year. The inspection focused on five key themes – infection prevention control and environmental safety; procedure for obtaining […]
New digital system rolled out at Fermanagh hospital
THE Western Trust has hailed the launch of its new digital health care record system as “a huge moment” after the ‘Go-Live with encompass’ scheme was rolled out to the SWAH today (Thursday). This means that for the first time all HSC Trusts across Northern Ireland are now integrated into one digital system, signifying a […]
Meeting on SWAH at Fermanagh House tonight
THE local community is being urged to come out in strong numbers to Fermanagh House tonight (Thursday, May 1) for a public meeting on the future of the SWAH. The meeting, which begins at 8pm, has been organised by Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) and will focus on the campaign group’s roadmap to restored emergency […]
Fears for GP services in Fermanagh
THERE are fears for the future of many local GP practices after funding talks between the BMA (British Medical Association) and the Department of Health broke down. The BMA, which serves as a trade union for GPs, had been in contract negotiations with the Stormont government regarding the level of support provided to practices. However […]
Fermanagh health campaigners to host public meeting
SAVE Our Acute Services (SOAS) is organising a public meeting on the future of SWAH services and the removal of emergency general surgery at the hospital. SOAS has invited representatives from all five main political parties in the area, and the public will have the chance to ask questions on the night. The meeting takes place […]
Plans for new Fermanagh GP teams
By Alan Rodgers THE Western Health Trust has confirmed that work is underway to deliver new multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) to GP practices across Fermanagh and Omagh, following the announcement of £61 million in health funding. Local GP practices have been calling for the wider introduction of multi-disciplinary teams locally in recent years. Health Minister, Mike […]
Fermanagh health campaigners question hospital figures
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THE WESTERN Trust has insisted figures it provided to the health regulator for its review on the removal emergency general surgery (EGS) from the SWAH were accurate. Fermanagh campaigners fighting to restore the service had questioned the figures on bed capacity provided by the Trust to the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) for a review into […]
SOAS meetings continue around Fermanagh
FURTHER events have been taking place this week as local campaigners continue to garner support for the plan to save services at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). At the start of the year Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) launched a ‘roadmap’ plan, outlining in practical ways how services can be restored and retained at the […]