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 […]


Plans in place to support elderly Fermanagh residents


ELDERLY Fermanagh residents are going to be given the opportunity to “socialise and create connections” next month as part of a community-wide programme. The National Institutes of Health recently revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic caused an increase in loneliness among elderly residents, with a direct correlation to cognitive decline in older adults. Fermanagh and Omagh […]


Hotel plans for Enniskillen SWC college site revealed


THE same week that one iconic building in Enniskillen was going up in smoke, plans for redeveloping another one were being unveiled. While firefighters were still putting out the blaze at the historic Railway Hotel, across the street at the former South West College site at Gaol Square, a public consultation was showing residents what was planned for […]


Trainee doctors join Fermanagh SWAH team


THE SOUTH West Acute Hospital has last week welcomed a new cohort of trainee doctors, some of whom have travelled from overseas to work at the Enniskillen hospital. The SWAH group is part of an overall intake of 270 doctors across the Western Trust, with the junior doctors joining medical and surgical teams across the wider area, […]


Fermanagh Parkinson’s patient left to suffer alone


A LOCAL pensioner has revealed the heartbreaking impact staff shortages and service cuts are having on older patients here in Fermanagh. The Western Trust has apologised this week, via the Herald, to local patients after it emerged the Parkinson’s Clinics at the SWAH were currently not operating. Stating this was due to capacity exceeding demand, coupled […]


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 […]


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 […]


Top award for Fermanagh lecturer Jimmy Martin


A LONG-SERVING lecturer at the South West College has been praised for his ‘commendable’ commitment and dedication to the local construction industry. Jimmy Martin, a hugely respected Carpentry and Joinery lecturer at the South West College, picked up the prestigious Hugh Gettinby Best Trainer/Lecturer Award at the SkillBuild NI Regional Competition. John Moss, Head of Department […]


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 […]