Future Health Planning for Fermanagh and West Tyrone

In a pivotal move, the Western Trust has initiated new planning efforts to shape future health services in Fermanagh and west Tyrone. This development comes after admitting past procedural flaws during public consultations concerning emergency general surgery (EGS) services at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). Neil Guckian, Chief Executive of the Western Trust, acknowledged that insufficient time was spent engaging with local communities before launching these consultations.

The health provider paused its initial consultation in July 2025 following directives from the Health Minister. This pause allowed for reflection on community concerns and set the stage for developing a long-term vision for healthcare services in the region. The new initiative, titled “Future Health and Care Services in Fermanagh and West Tyrone,” aims to involve staff, unions, elected officials, and local groups like Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) in its planning process.

Collaboration with the Republic of Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) is being considered as part of this comprehensive approach. Despite ongoing consultations, temporary suspension of EGS services at SWAH since December 2022 will remain. However, independent analysis indicates improvements in patient outcomes related to emergency general surgery across the Western Trust area.

Pat Cullen, Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, has called for transparency regarding improved outcomes and urged for timely updates on new plans. She emphasizes the necessity of reassurance about maintaining emergency services at SWAH. Additionally, Jemma Dolan, MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, stresses that any future vision plan must be informed by a thorough population needs assessment.

The commitment to ensuring SWAH remains an acute hospital with comprehensive services including a ²⁴⁄₇ Emergency Department and maternity services is central to these discussions. As the Western Trust moves forward, it aims to address community anxieties while enhancing healthcare delivery in Fermanagh and west Tyrone.

For further details and updates on this initiative:

Western Trust’s New Planning for Future Health Services

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