A MAJOR provider of homecare services is to withdraw from the Fermanagh area, impacting hundreds of local users. The Western Trust has stressed it is working to minimise that impact. North West Care is one of three independent providers of homecare contracted by the Trust in Lisnaskea, Irvinestown and Enniskillen areas. It has been providing care in the […]
Fermanagh staff at SWAH 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 […]
Mum’s warning after emergency transfer from SWAH
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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 […]
Hundreds gather in Enniskillen for SOAS public meeting
A powerful show of community solidarity was on display last night as hundreds gathered at the Westville Hotel in Enniskillen for a public meeting hosted by Save Our Acute Services (SOAS), the local campaign fighting to restore Emergency General Surgery (EGS) to the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). The evening began with a solemn moment […]
Western Trust Obs and Gynae ranked first in NI
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The Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Service has been ranked first in the North by resident doctors for the professional training environment and experience they have gained whilst training in the Western Trust. Altnagelvin Hospital was voted first overall in Northern Ireland and South West Acute Hospital third. Altnagelvin was […]
Public meeting called as fight to save SWAH emergency service intensifies
The Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) campaign group is inviting the public to a crucial meeting at the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen, as part of its continued efforts to secure the reinstatement of emergency general surgery at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). With community concern still high and the future of the service uncertain, the […]
SWAH milk banks makes fresh appeal for donations
THE Human Milk Bank, which is based at the South West Acute Hospital, has issued a fresh appeal for donor mums to help it continue it’s life-saving work. The only one of its kind on the island of Ireland, the team at the Western Trust run facility, which provides breast milk to neonatal units right across […]
Businesses join forces to support SWAH services
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TWENTY-NINE major Fermanagh business employers have come together to issue a joint statement welcoming the pause in the consultation on the future of emergency general surgery (EGS) at the SWAH. The well known local companies and establishments, which together bring in millions to the economy and employ thousands locally, said the decision to pause the consultation […]
Public pressure ‘shifts momentum’ in SWAH surgery fight
CAMPAIGN group Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) has said public pressure has triggered a dramatic shift in momentum in the fight to save emergency general surgery at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) but has warned the battle is far from over. The group reported over half a million views on its social media platforms in […]
Decision on SWAH surgery ‘always in Minister’s hands’
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THERE was much confusion in the community last week after Health Minister Mike Nesbitt ‘intervened’ in the consultation on the removal of emergency general surgery (EGS) from the SWAH, with some mistakenly believing the service had been saved. Following the last-minute cancellation of the major public consultation event that had been due to take place […]