Stroke victims in Fermanagh fight for stroke unit at SWAH

by Gráinne Connolly

Last month Q Radio reported on a pre-consultation that was held, regarding 're-shaping stroke services' in the Western Trust. 

Following that consultation Fermanagh's Stroke Support Group expressed how disappointed they were. 

They felt their comments or issues highlighted at the meeting were overlooked and that the future of the stroke unit at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) seemed uncertain. 

(Read statements from both the stroke group and the Health and Social Care Board following the previous pre-consultation:

http://www.goqradio.com/news/q-radio-local-news/local-people-disappointed-with-reshaping-stroke-services-pre-consultaion/)

This evening, another public meeting is being held in the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen to discuss the stroke services again.

In the run up to this consultation, Fermanagh Stroke Support Group have been campaigning 'Save Our Stroke Unit'. 

They've been trying to get as many local people to show their support and unite to protect services that are provided at SWAH. 

Stephen McAloon, stroke survivor and founder of Fermanagh Stroke Support said it's vital that people attend the meeting and voice their concerns. 

Stephen suffered from a stroke on 19th November, 2008 and was brought to the former Erne hospital where he was treated. 

If it wasn't for the stroke unit in Enniskillen, Stephen may not have survived the stroke. 

He's been telling Q Radio how important it is to have the unit in Fermanagh, especially for people living in rural communities: 

Q Radio also heard from Louise Hardman, who is both a wife and carer to husband Wayne who had a stroke. 

As a result of his stroke, Wayne is speech impaired and requires the assistance of his wife daily. 

Louise said if it wasn't for the care and support he received at the stroke unit at SWAH, Wayne wouldn't be here today:

Members of the Fermanagh Stroke Support Group and other stroke survivors are urging as many people as possible to come out and show their support at the public meeting. 

By saving the stroke unit there, they feel you could be saving lives as well. 

The meeting will be taking place this evening at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen: