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.
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 […]