IN the latest show of solidarity in the fight to save emergency general surgery (EGS) at the SWAH, local hoteliers have issued an open letter of concern to health authorities. Representatives of the Fermanagh Lakelands Hotels Association outlined the significant and direct threat the service cut poses to the local tourism and hospitality sector. They wrote, “The […]
‘We deserve healthcare we can all depend on’
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Fermanagh GAA has issued a strong call for health authorities to engage meaningfully with the people of Fermanagh regarding the removal of emergency general surgery (EGS) from the SWAH. In their appeal to the Western Trust and the Department of Health, the county board highlighted the significant affect the removal of the service has had […]
Protest held at SWAH as Trust chiefs meet
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A protest took place at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) today ahead of the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s monthly board meeting. Supporters gathered in solidarity with frontline healthcare workers, with members of Unison and Unite unions making their presence felt outside the hospital. A spokesperson for Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) praised […]
Fermanagh hotels unite in call to restore EGS at SWAH
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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
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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
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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, […]
New mother’s painful journey for treatment
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Amoung those at last week’s meeting to share their often harrowing experiences of travelling for emergency surgery was local mother Patrice Maguire. Patrice, who lives between Belcoo and Letterbreen, recalled her traumatic journey and outlined the lasting impact on her health, her mental wellbeing and her young family. In July 2023, just five weeks after giving […]
Fermanagh church leaders back SWAH surgery campaign
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FERMANAGH church leaders have given their strong backing to the Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) campaign. At last week’s SOAS meeting at the Westville Hotel, a representative read out a joint statement from 11 Christian leaders representing 17 local churches. Pastor Andy Compton of Mullaghmeen Baptist Church in Ballinamallard spoke powerfully on behalf of Christian leaders […]
SWAH staff face frequent violence
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SHOCKING new figures have revealed that more than 760 physical assaults have been carried out on staff at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) over the past five years. The statistics, released in response to a written Assembly question from local MLA Diana Armstrong, have sparked fresh concern over the safety of frontline healthcare workers […]