No decision on emergency general surgery services in Enniskillen without further public consultation says Trust
No decision will be made on permanently removing any emergency general surgery services at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen without further public consultation, the High Court heard today.
Lawyers representing the Western Health and Social Care Trust said it fully recognised the legal requirement to carry out a new process now expected to begin next summer.
Responding in proceedings brought by a local campaign group, barrister Matthew Corkey insisted the authority has been fully transparent at all stages.
The Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) taken is seeking to judicially review the Trust over an alleged decision to withdraw emergency general services from the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) without proper consultation.
Legal action was launched after officials gave evidence on the issue to the Stormont Health Committee in November last year.
The campaigners contend it was the first time that the alleged plans were fully disclosed.
Emergency General Surgery had previously been temporarily withdrawn from SWAH in 2022.
In 2025 the Trust began public consultation on the possible permanent change of services at the hospital.
But that process was paused and then closed following a request from the Health Minister at the time, Mike Nesbitt.
SOAS claims the Trust has acted unlawfully, irrationally and in breach of a statutory duty.
They are seeking a judicial order compelling it to carry out further consultation.
However, Mr Corkey stressed how the authority has previously passed resolutions and issued a number of press releases about seeking the views of the public.
“I don’t think there could be stronger evidence of the Trust understanding its legal obligation to consult,” he submitted.
During exchanges with the judge, Mr Justice McAlinden, he confirmed that a key board meeting in July last year was not to approve the permanent closure of any emergency general services.
“By definition the resolution to commence consultation recognised that a decision hasn’t been made by the board,” counsel replied.
Mr Corkey indicated that a fresh process is expected to be launched following the Northern Ireland Assembly elections in May 2027.
He also stressed how the Trust will still have to approve the outcome before it goes to the Health Minister for the final say.
“Given we are talking about a permanent change… those interested and concerned can have their voice heard and can lobby the Minister,” counsel added.
The case continues.