CAMPAIGN group, Save Our Acute Services (SOAS), has welcomed the support received from all six local parliamentary candidates during the recent general election. 

The candidates who stood in Fermanagh and South Tyrone backed calls for restoration of emergency general surgery at South West 
Acute Hospital (SWAH), following meetings with each candidate. 

SOAS spokesperson Donal O'Cofaigh said: “The fact that all six parliamentary candidates standing for election in Fermanagh and South Tyrone fully backed SOAS’ demand for the restoration of emergency general surgery to SWAH is a welcome development. 

"It confirms the strength of the demand from right across our community for a health service that meets our need.

“It is also significant that all candidates recognised the need to encourage the community and staff to come forward and give evidence to the RQIA review.

"This is vital if they are to arrive at an accurate and evidence-based assessment of the severe 
impact felt by the loss of surgery at SWAH has had.

“It is now incumbent upon Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to listen to the people’s repeated demands and the unanimous opinion of our political representatives, for a commitment to restore emergency general surgery at SWAH."

Mr. O'Cofaigh added: "We need to see that decision taken sooner rather than later so the difficult work of fully rebuilding our hospital’s services can commence."