Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has emphasised the significant role of the Elective Care Centres, particularly highlighting the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen, in addressing lengthy waiting lists for medical procedures.

The South West Acute Hospital is one of three Elective Overnight Stay Centres (EOSCs) in Northern Ireland, alongside the Mater Hospital in Belfast and Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry. These centres focus on intermediate-complexity surgeries that might require an overnight stay.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 12,000 patients were treated at these three sites. SWAH, in particular, has seen an increase in elective surgeries, including general surgery, gynaecology, breast surgery, paediatric surgery, and paediatric dental procedures, with consultants visiting from other hospitals to support the high demand.

Minister Nesbitt, during his visit to the SWAH last week which was not open to the media to attend, praised the hospital’s role in providing elective care: "SWAH is delivering more elective surgery than ever, and I am delighted to see the excellent facilities here and to meet the talented and enthusiastic workforce. The EOSC is providing much-needed services for our long-waiting patients. I am grateful for the support and enthusiasm of everyone involved in this initiative."

He said the sustained reduction in waiting lists across Northern Ireland, attributing this improvement to the efficient and dedicated efforts of staff at Elective Care Centres like SWAH. "The latest waiting list statistics show a sustained and very welcome reduction in the number of patients waiting. This is the seventh quarter in a row where the treatment waiting lists have reduced – the longest sustained reduction since at least 2008."

Neil Guckian, Chief Executive of Western Health and Social Care Trust, expressed his enthusiasm about the Minister's visit: “We are delighted to welcome Health Minister Mike Nesbitt on his first visit to the South West Acute Hospital to meet with key medical, nursing, and social work staff. This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the fantastic work of our staff and to showcase the first-class facilities at SWAH, in particular the EOSC, which is providing high-quality care to patients throughout Northern Ireland.