MINISTER of Health, Mike Nesbitt, has offered reassurances to the community regarding the future of the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), amidst concerns about potential downgrading following the release of a new hospital network document.

Responding to a question from Diana Armstrong, Minister Nesbitt confirmed that SWAH is not facing a downgrade and emphasised the hospital’s importance within the Northern Ireland health service.

"The South West Acute Hospital is a very important asset in the Northern Ireland health service estate," the Minister said. "I have had the pleasure of visiting the hospital on a number of occasions in recent months. Indeed, I visited it most recently with the Member (Ms. Armstrong).

"I saw again how accessible and modern the facilities are. The hospital is commissioned for an average of 15·3 elective theatre sessions per week across gynaecology, general surgery, paediatric surgery and dental.

"The number of patients who are treated will vary slightly each week, and that will depend on the case mix. Whilst there had been a period of under-delivery, following a recent recruitment exercise, the trust has successfully appointed four new consultants.

"That has had a positive impact on theatre scheduling. I am pleased to confirm that the South West Acute Hospital is now delivering more elective activity than it has at any point in its history.

The Minister added that he is "very aware" o ongoing local concerns regarding the future of the hospital.

"I assure all — that means its patients, staff and the wider community in the Fermanagh and west Tyrone area — that I see the hospital continuing to play a very important and long-standing role," the Minister said.

"In particular, initiatives such as the elective overnight stay centre at the SWAH are and will remain critical in helping to tackle our lengthy waits for elective surgery.

"Members will be aware that I recently encouraged people to view our hospitals as a network and to recognise the fact that not every hospital will deliver every procedure. There is a place for the SWAH in that network."

Ms. Armstrong welcomed the update, but asked if the Minister could provide reassurance that SWAH will not be downgraded following the publication of 'Hospitals - Creating a Network for Better Outcomes'.

The Minister responded: "(This document) clearly states that it is about the reconfiguration of the network of acute hospitals, of which the South West Acute Hospital is and remains a part.

"The proposed designation of SWAH as a general hospital refers to the tier at which it sits in the network and is not a reflection of its being downgraded from acute hospital status.

"In fact, the hospital network document does not contain any proposed reconfigurations. It simply sets a strategic context for future reconfiguration decisions."