Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy has requested further clarity from the Health Minister in relation to plans to re-establish emergency general surgery to the South West Acute Hospital.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said:

“I have requested further clarity from the minister, including asking will the move towards recruiting 11 whole time equivalent general surgeons form part of a wider plan to reinstate emergency general surgery to the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH)?

“The Department of Health (DoH) and the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) must urgently provide a clear, detailed and time-framed plan for recruitment and retention of consultant surgeons in SWAH, and they must lay out a road map for the return of emergency general surgery as soon as possible.

“To date, the WHSCT and the DoH have failed to provide a plan for reinstatement of these services. This needs to happen urgently.

“Sinn Féin has been consistent in our support for the reinstatement of emergency general surgery to the hospital and we will continue to work with the minister and the other parties to ensure patients can access first-class health services at SWAH.”

Note: This was following a question to the minister which can be found at https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=406787