A spokesman for the Western Trust has confirmed that staffing shortages in Altnagelvin Hospital have impacted theatre capacities this week. A spokesman said, “The Trust is currently experiencing issues with theatre staffing shortages in Altnagelvin Hospital and as a result not all theatres are running at capacity. “In order to ensure the number of staff […]
Nurses gearing up for strike action over pay
NURSES may take industrial action in the coming weeks over staffing levels and pay. There are currently around 3,000 vacancies across the North, including hundreds in the Western Trust area, with shortages placing extra pressures on staff to patient ratio. There are fears that strike action could have a devastating effect on the local health […]
Health body is accused of stripping local services
Many local cataract patients have had their surgeries moved to Magherafelt in recent times.
Figures reveal more patients forced to travel
NEW figures have revealed what most patients here in the county already knew, that Fermanagh people are asked to travel for treatment more often than patients elsewhere in the Western Trust. The South West Carers and Families (SWCF) group have been carrying out research into the issue of outpatient appointments, and recently submitted a freedom […]
£20M HOLE IN BUDGET BAD NEWS FOR SWAH
THERE are fresh fears for the future of services at SWAH after it was revealed the Western Trust has to find £20 million in savings by early next year. Once again the people of Fermanagh are gearing up for a battle against health cuts after it emerged the Western Trust has been told it urgently […]
Rural doctors ‘will not benefit from £27m extra health
GP SERVICES are set to benefit from a £26.76 million investment but there are doubts over whether Fermanagh will benefit from the funding. Recently, the Department of Health announced the investment of £26.76 million which has been earmarked for investment in GP premises, elective care services and investment in advanced nurse practitioners. At a time […]
SWAH may lose day surgeries to specialist centres
PLANS are currently in motion that could see a swathe of different day surgeries taken out of SWAH, resulting in local patients having to travel to specialist centres instead. Already many Fermanagh patients have had their cataract surgeries moved to Magherafelt as part of the Department of Health’s Elective Care Plan. Similarly, all varicose vein […]
Drumclay Care Home re-opens this week
Just one year since it’s closure was first announced, Drumclay Care Home has officially re-opened. The care facility in Enniskillen re-opened this week under the Western Trust and aims to provide a new care model for older people during the transition from hospital and home. The owners of Drumclay Care Home, Ebbay Group, announced the […]
Last push for public to have say before stroke deadline
FERMANAGH Stroke Support Group are out and about around the county ahead of the final stroke consultation deadline. After years of passionate local campaigning to keep the ward five open, this is the last chance for Fermanagh people to submit their views to have their say in the fight to keep the stroke unit. Earlier […]
Infusion of homegrown talent as Collegiate trio return
THREE former Enniskillen Collegiate students have returned to their native county take up consultant doctor roles at SWAH. Lynn Cromie, Alison Little and Joanna Johnston all attended Collegiate Grammar School and have as newly appointed consultants at the Enniskillen hospital. At a time where it is increasingly difficult to fill posts in Health and Social […]