Trade unions have come out in support of the fight to retain emergency surgery services at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

Emergency surgery is to be suspended at the hospital on December 18 due to staffing issues.

The Fermanagh Council of Trades Unions and NIPSA have pledged their support for the campaign.

In a press release, Jim Quinn – on behalf of the Fermanagh Council of Trades Unions – said: “Our council were represented at the protest called at short notice outside Enniskillen town hall last Thursday night and will continue supporting the various events over the next few weeks.

“Our priority will be to encourage union members and their families to attend the major protest at Enniskillen’s Broadmeadow on Friday, December 2.

“We believe that a very strong message will be sent from that protest to stop the removal of much-needed surgical services at the SWAH.”

NIPSA met with members of the Trust Board of Western Trust on November 17 after a Board meeting where a decision was taken to suspend emergency general surgical services.

‘Extremely concerned’

“NIPSA is extremely concerned that management are now forcing through closure of this service, threatening the future of other services, and with no viable alternative service put in place,” a statement from the union said.

“Any cut in services will increase pressure on the other hospitals within the Trust, further exacerbating the safe staffing crisis, and putting the lives of the people of Fermanagh and Tyrone at risk.

“There is clearly a direct threat to the jobs of staff in the SWAH. NIPSA is determined to defend emergency surgical services and all the services in the SWAH, and to fight to protect our health service from privatisation.”