A CASE of “post-code lottery” could be the reason why accessing mental health counselling is “nearly impossible” for people across Fermanagh. Sara Boyce from the PPR (participation and practice of rights) confirmed that only 70% of GP practices offer in-house counselling within the Western Trust area, with the percentage for Fermanagh even lower. Speaking to […]
Missed appointments costing Trust £1.5m
MISSED patient appointments cost the Western Trust £1.5 million last year. In 2019 over 9000 people did not attend their appointments. The missed appointments have resulted in a significant loss to the budget over the period. Now, the Trust has asked for greater co-operation in a bid to reduce non-attendance so “valuable resources and staff […]
Alarm over sharp rise in attacks on hospital staff
INCIDENTS of physical attacks reported by staff at the South West Acute Hospital have experienced a sharp rise. Over a twelve month period the number of reported attacks rose by almost 40 percent. Figures released following a Freedom of Information request by the Fermanagh Herald outline a total of 68 reported physical attacks on staff […]
Less than half SWAH emergency patients seen within 4hrs
THE number of patients who had to wait more than 12 hours to be seen at the SWAH Emergency Department (ED) has increased dramatically this winter. While there was also an increase in the number of people attending ED, the Western Trust has said the reason for the growing waiting times has been due […]
Rates of pay for SWAH locum doctors are revealed
Highest rate earned by consultant at local hospital £150 per hour
Retention of doctors major problem for local hospital
Location of SWAH big issue for recruiting health professionals
Trust accused of trying to cut Meals on Wheels
The Trust claims demand for the service is down, however this has been disputed locally.
Staff shortages lead to postponed surgeries
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.