By Niamh McGovern AN emergency health meeting was convened yesterday (Tuesday) after health officials declared that Northern Ireland’s hospitals were in ‘crisis’ due to rising flu cases and the recent cold weather. The surge in winter viruses has exacerbated already severe pressures, with hundreds of people waiting over 12 hours in hospital emergency departments across […]
Campaigners urge locals to attend meeting on SWAH
HEALTH campaigners are encouraging residents to attend a Department of Health meeting in Omagh this week, which is being promoted as ‘helping to shape the health future of the area for years to come’. The Department of Health recently announced that the deadline for its consultation, ‘Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes’, has […]
Fermanagh healthcare staff under ‘relentless pressure’
By Niamh McGovern AS flu cases continue to rise across Fermanagh, healthcare staff are preparing for another challenging period. At South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), staff have resumed wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard themselves against infections as they work to manage the high volume of patients. Andy McKane, a long-time NHS worker and […]
Santa spreads festive cheer at SWAH’s Children’s Ward
IN-PATIENTS at Children’s Ward at the South West Acute Hospital received a special treat recently when Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to stop in and say hello. The special day was organised by the team at Children’s Ward at the SWAH, as well as by representatives from the Continence Team and […]
Concerns raised over new SWAH sub-group formation
ALLIANCE councillor Eddie Roofe has voiced concerns that the creation of a new subgroup within the Strategic Development Group (SDG) for South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) could be an attempt to sideline the Fermanahg & Omagh District Council from discussions. The SDG, established in 2023 following the suspension of emergency general surgery at SWAH, includes […]
Winter pressures mount on Fermanagh health service
By Niamh McGovern THE Western Trust continues to face severe pressures on services this winter, with ‘full escalation of beds on all wards and departments’. On Sunday, the Trust recorded 286 attendances across Altnagelvin Hospital and South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), with 86 patients waiting for a bed and 163 waiting in the Emergency Department. […]
NHS pay rise proposals given tentative welcome
By Alan Rodgers STORMONT Health Minister Mike Nesbitt’s proposals on a fresh pay settlement for NHS workers have been given a guarded welcome locally. The UUP leader has offered health workers a rise in their pay which mirrors the value of increases in England. These will be implemented in two different tranches due to what Mr Nesbitt describes as ‘ongoing pressures’ […]
Workers ensure service continues on Christmas Day
WHILE many will be enjoying turkey dinners and indulging in festive chocolates on Christmas Day, some of Fermanagh’s unsung heroes will be on the frontline, ensuring essential services continue. Enda Love, a well-known porter at South West Acute Hospital, will be working from 8am to 2pm, providing vital help to in-patients. “To be honest, I’m […]
Fermanagh youngster brings Christmas cheer to SWAH
A BELLANALECK schoolgirl has been praised for her ‘thoughtfulness and kindness’ after she truly embraced the season of goodwill by raising money to help children in hospital this Christmas. Macy Connors recently put her creative talents to the test by creating some handmade bracelets, before selling them at a local craft fair. She raised over £200 […]
Five hospitalised following Fermanagh road collision
FIVE people, including a young girl, were taken to hospital following a three-car crash on the Belturbet Road in Derrylin on Sunday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 4.50pm, involved a grey Toyota RAV4, a red Citroen Berlingo, and a grey Toyota Corolla. Inspector Laird confirmed that a woman in her 50s, a man and […]