The Chair of Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) has expressed his disappointment at the “content, style and tone” of the Western Trust presentation to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council last Thursday.

The Trust, and a Department of Health official, presented to the Council remotely following the announcement that emergency surgery services were to be temporarily suspended from the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) from next month.

“The Trust had clearly failed to properly communicate to the public and our local elected representatives about the withdrawal of acute services in the hospital, and as a result it increased anxiety and concern within the community,” said Reggie Ferguson.

“The meeting with the Council did little to assuage that anxiety. We condemn the decision, which will potentially leave almost 60,000 people at risk, increase mortality by 7 per cent for life-threatening emergency travel, and risk the lives of expectant mothers and stroke victims and send them to faraway hospitals which have no room.

“This is why we don’t trust the Trust. People in Fermanagh deserve better, and should not be the poor cousins to the rest of Northern Ireland.

“We call on our politicians to act with everything in their power – including legal action – to stop the cuts, and we urge our community to continue to support the campaign to fully restore acute services.”

SOAS Secretary Helen Hamill said that there were wider concerns in the community which should be also considered.

She said: “The hospital plays a role in other ways which may not be evident to the Trust when it comes to its decision-making.

“The SWAH is the cornerstone of our rural community. Along with Southwest College, local schools and industry, it is a key driver for economic development, employment and inward investment, and is part of a vision for the development of centres of excellence in the region.

“The hospital is a top-quality facility and was built here because it was clearly shown that there was a need for it, and that it would be the delivery point of quality health services. Nothing has changed – the need is still there – but some services are now being withdrawn.

“The SWAH has never had the chance to breathe and reach its full potential. The large turnover of staff suggests that something has gone wrong at management level, as we witness continuous haemorrhaging of highly-qualified specialist staff.

“There is a danger that confidence will be irrevocably eroded in the service, and indeed in the hospital itself, if this issue is not resolved.”

Mr. Ferguson noted that there were several other health care crises developing across Northern Ireland, including the recent announcement about the collapse of primary care services in Lisnaskea, which adds to the concerns of local people.

The group has gratefully acknowledged the heartfelt support of the wider community through local fundraising events.

By visiting its Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/SaveOurSwahServices, further details can be found on future planned events and daily updates, as well as letter templates which can be downloaded and sent to political representatives.