A freedom of information response from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has contradicted a statement by the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) that there have been no adverse incidents because of the ‘temporary’ withdrawal of emergency general surgery from South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). The freedom of information disclosure was made in […]
Western Trust condemns racist abuse of health staff
The Western Trust has expressed its dismay after learning that some of its healthcare professionals have been subjected to racist abuse both inside and outside hospital settings. In a statement released on Thursday, chief executive Neil Guckian strongly condemned the behaviour. “We are disheartened to learn of the abuse some of our colleagues have been […]
Protest held at SWAH as Trust chiefs meet
Premium
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 […]
Support for those affected by Maguiresbridge tragedy
The Western Trust has shared resources for parents, carers and all those affected by yesterdays tragedy. “We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred in Maguiresbridge yesterday and wish to extend our sympathies to the extended Families, friends and local community,” a spokesperson from the Western Trust said. “The Trust is working […]
Trust announces ‘reset’ of SWAH consultation
Premium
The Western Trust has said that, after listening to public opinion, it is “resetting its consultation approach.”
Trust apologises for Enniskillen consultation confusion
Premium
It has emerged the Western Trust had previously requested a police presence at the now postponed public meeting in Enniskillen.
Huge crowd turns out for Enniskillen health meeting
Premium
HUNDREDS of concerned locals packed into Fermanagh House last night for a public meeting on the future of emergency general surgery (EGS) at the South West Acute Hospital. Organised by campaigners Save Our Acute Services (SOAS), the meeting was organised in advance of a public consultation event being held by the Western Trust at the […]
Western Trust respond to consultation timing concern
Premium
The Western Trust has respond to criticism about the timing and handling of the public consultation regarding the permanent removal of Emergency General Surgery at the South West Acute Hospital. The ‘Herald previously reported today that campaign group SOAS had called for the Trust to reconsider the timing of the consultation. In response, the Western […]
Missed appointments costing health service millions
Premium
OVER 18,200 outpatient appointments were wasted in the Western Trust last year due to patients not turning up for their appointment, costing the local health service around £4 million. From April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 the total number of patients who did not attend their Consultant outpatient appointment, or failed to give staff sufficient […]
Consultation to permanently suspend EGS at SWAH
Premium
A consultation to permanently remove general emergency surgery from SWAH is to launch this month. There was a unanimous decision by the Western Trust to proceed with a consultation on the permanent suspension of Emergency General Surgery at SWAH at a Western Trust meeting today. Diana Armstrong MLA has expressed her concern at today’s announcement. […]