The community in Fermanagh and South Tyrone is coming together again this week to raise awareness of the plight facing acute services at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

Meetings have been arranged right across the county as people come together to fight to retain acute services at the SWAH as part of the wider Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) campaign.

One of those who organised a meeting is David Armstrong, from Florencecourt. A meeting will be held tonight (Thursday) in the Old Gate Hall in the village.

David is one of the many people across the community who has been proactive in getting the message out about the SWAH.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter about the upcoming meeting, he said: “I encourage everyone from the community to come to the meeting. I have asked members from every political party, local clergy and GPs to attend.”

David noted that he has had interest from across Florencecourt and Killesher to attend.

In addition, the Florencecourt man has been knocking on doors in the area to raise awareness about the issues facing the SWAH.

He added: “People are engaging; I have heard a lot of stories about people who have been helped and lives saved by emergency surgery [at the SWAH]. You hear a lot of stories, on the doors.”

Meetings that will be held across the area in the next week include the following: 
• Church of Ireland Hall, Letterbreen, Thursday, November 17 at 7.30pm;
• Old Gate Hall, Florencecourt, Thursday, November 17 at 8pm;
• Christ Church Hall, Maguiresbridge, on Friday, November 18 at 7.30pm;
• Rosslea Community Centre also November 18, at 8.30pm;
• Arney Hall on Monday, November 21 at 7.30pm;
• Mahon’s Hotel, Irvinestown, on Tuesday, November 22 at 7.30pm;
• St. Aidan’s High School, Derrylin on Tuesday, November 22 at 8pm;
• Fivemiletown College, on Wednesday, November 23 at 7pm; and
• Kesh Community Centre, on Thursday, November 24 at 8pm.

A spokesperson for the SOAS group said: “Details [yet] to be confirmed on larger Omagh and Enniskillen meetings, which are in planning.”

For information on any additional meetings, or information on how you can host a meeting in your area, see the Save Our Acute Services Facebook page.