MLA proposes Western Trust explore cross-border working options ahead of public meeting

by Gráinne Connolly

In light of the recent proposed £12.5 mllion cut to the budget of the Western Trust, many concerns have been raised about the future of services in the trust area.

Q Radio has been speaking to Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan, who recently met with members of the Western trust in regards to the proposed cuts and to riase concerns around the services that may be affected.

She says: 

"We raised our concerns around the services that the Western Trust has anticpated will be affected.

"These include a reduction in domicillary care, day care and the remodeling of neonatal services in the South West Acute Hospital.

"These are all vital services, with life changing implications if they are to be reduced or remodeled."

The MLA also raised the importance of South West Acute Hospital (WAH) and how much its services are needed, particularly the neonatal unit. 

"In particular, although we are assured that neonatal needs in SWAH are small and the transitional care that the maternity nurses will be able to provide is just as good, the non-existence of a unit in the SWAH may put added worries on expectant mothers and extra pressures on the maternity staff. 

"In addition, it is a further erosion of maternity services and may put all maternity services at the hospital at risk." 

In a bid to save services at South West Acute Hospital Miss Dolan, who is also her party's spokesperson on North/South integration, is now calling on the Trust to explore cross border working options. 

She says: 

"All of our services could be strenghtened if we were working together on a cross-border basis. 

"Our hospital in Enniskillen could be taking in patients from neighbouring border counties and may even be their closest hospital. 

"Likewise, Cavan and Sligo hospitals, geographically closer than Altnagelvin to many in the county, may be able to provide services which we can use. 

"Geographical location should not be a border in saving lives."


While on the topic of the cuts, the MLA said it's extremely important that local people voice their opinions and raise any concerns that they may have. 

A recent pre-consultation regarding the Stroke Unit in Enniskillen saw over 600 people turnout in their fight to retain the services. 

The public meeting about the Western Trust's cuts will take place this evening at Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen from 7pm to 9pm.