A review of General Surgery Services across the Western Trust ordered by Chief Executive Neil Guckian in April this year is still ‘not completed’.

At the time, he stressed: “Any proposed changes to services would be subject to consultation and the [Western] Trust would fully intend to consult widely on any proposed change that may be required or accepted by our Trust Board.” 

The Western Health and Social Care Trust has also insisted no cut-off date has been set for consultant surgeons to be appointed at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), or when emergency surgical services will cease.

SWAH staff members – who spoke on condition they were not identified – said the current situation around emergency surgical services has reached crisis point.

It was known there are currently three surgeons in post from a potential cohort of six; however, of these, one is moving to another hospital in a different Health and Social Care Trust, another (locum) has resigned, and the third is due to go off on leave.

Mr. Guckian briefed Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Health and Social Services Subcommittee meeting on October 19 on the current position, and told members of the necessity to be “up front with the public”.

However, he insisted other details were discussed confidentially, to the exclusion of public and Press.

Clarification was sought from the Western Trust along with an explanation on why specific elements of the information were not included.

In response, a Trust spokesperson referred back to the original statement, adding: “Emergency General Surgery at the SWAH has three current staff surgeons being supported by locums.

“As stated in our statement, we have been notified of forthcoming changes in the staff team which, unless restored, will leave it impossible to sustain a safe emergency general surgery service at the hospital.

“Of the three permanent consultants, one has resigned and one is taking planned leave.

“The Trust has not confirmed any dates and, as stated in our attached statement, no decision or recommendation has been made by the Trust Board to the Department of Health.”

It remains unclear what detail was provided in the confidential session of the meeting.

A Departmental spokesperson said: “The statement of October 17 made clear that it had been notified of forthcoming expected changes in the SWAH general surgery staff. 

“The Minister’s position remains as stated in his press statement issued on the same date.”

Meanwhile, when asked to provide a copy of the Western Trust Review into General Surgical Service Provision, the first phase of which was to examine emergency surgery provision, with a report and recommendations expected in the summer, a spokesperson advised it “has not been completed”.