The Western Trust has been successful in recruiting staff for the Neonatal Unit at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

It was widely reported that due to chronic workforce challenges, the unit moved from six special cots to two, providing emergnecy and stabilisation care-only since November, 2021.

In a statement, a Trust spokesperson said: "Extensive recruitment efforts have been ongoing over many months to secure Band 5, 6 and 7 posts.

"We wish to advise that we have been successful in the recruitment of a Band 7 post and a number of Band 5 posts.

"Advertising for the Band 6 posts continue and more widespread radio ads have been developed to try and attract staff from the Republic and/or Northern Ireland.

"It has therefore been approved to move the threshold of delivery in SWAH from 36 weeks to 35 weeks, with recommencement of neonatal special care provision for babies from 35-week gestation.

"Alongside this we will recommence repatriation of some babies from this locality, who are currently receiving special care in other hospitals."

The Trust also announced that Tinylife have recruited a Family Support officer to support families with preterm infants in the Tyrone and Fermanagh area.