SIX consultant surgeons are due to take up posts in South West Acute Hospital in coming months, Northern Ireland's Health Minister has confirmed. 

According to newly-appointed Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, additional retired consultant surgeons have also been attracted to SWAH on part time “as and when” contracts, while The Trust continues to recruit general surgeons at middle grade level to SWAH. 

In early 2022, Emergency General Surgery (EGS) stopped at the local hospital, following recruitment and retention issues.

However, it is yet unclear if the recruitment of new consultant surgeons will see the service restored locally. 

The recruitment efforts of the Western Trust were detailed in an assembly response to local MLA, Aine Murphy, who asked whether a workforce plan is in place for recruiting and retaining surgical staff at the South West Acute Hospital.

Minister Nesbitt said: "Given challenges in the attraction, recruitment, and retention of medical staff across all its hospitals, medical workforce stabilisation, including surgery at SWAH, is a priority for the Western HSC Trust.

"Consultant general surgeons are recruited to Trust-wide contracts, with appointees contracted to work across all sites, including SWAH. 

"Since February 2023, six substantive consultant surgeons (including two international recruits) have been appointed, all of whom are due to take up posts in the coming months. 

"Two additional retired consultant surgeons have been attracted on part time “as and when” contracts."

The Health Minister also said that efforts are being made to greater promote the Western Region as "a great place to live and work".

"A range of strategies aimed at attracting, recruiting, and retaining the medical workforce are also being progressed by the Trust," he said. 

"This includes tailored recruitment material promoting the West as a great place to live and work. Targeted recruitment is undertaken based on funded posts and identified service needs, with vacancies promoted on an ongoing, worldwide basis, using a streamlined recruitment and application process.

"Flexible working arrangements and working longer guidance support work-life balance and encourage longer working lives, with new roles available to support medical staff. 

"A Retire and Return policy is also in place which allows retired doctors to temporarily support services.

"International medical recruits have a defined support and development programme, with significant pastoral and social support. 

"Temporary accommodation is available to facilitate new arrivals and their families."