Fermanagh business leaders meet with Western Health and Social Care Trust

Business leaders from across Fermanagh met with the Western Health and Social Care Trust on Monday at Encirc’s headquarters in Derrylin.

The meeting was to discuss the provision of rural health care services and impacts on regional economic development.

Over 50 businesses in Fermanagh have joined forces to highlight their concerns about access to public health services in the region and specifically the future of the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). The group of businesses collectively employ thousands of people and generate millions to the NI economy, with many hailing from the manufacturing industry.

The meeting (Monday, December 15) with the Western Trust Chief Executive and directors involved a tour of Encirc and a roundtable discussion with some representatives from the 50 businesses including Mannok, Encirc, Balcas, TA Mercer, Carrickreagh Developments Ltd and Mental Wealth International.

Speaking afterwards, Encirc’s Sustainability Director, Fiacre O’Donnell said they welcomed the chance to highlight community concerns about the sustainability and accessibility of healthcare services in the area.

“We met with the Trust to discuss our concerns and the relationship between health and wellbeing, community cohesion, poverty indicators, workforce wellbeing and economic activity levels. As business leaders who employ many people in this rural area, we have a duty to our employees and it was critical to stress the importance of protecting health provision in Fermanagh and that ongoing engagement between all stakeholders will be essential.”

WHSCT Chief Executive, Neil Guckian added: “We welcomed the opportunity to meet with Fermanagh business leaders today at Encirc. Following a tour of Encirc’s impressive facilities in Derrylin, our senior team had open and constructive discussions, listening carefully to concerns raised about the SWAH and wider health services.

“We were clear in our discussions that SWAH is a vital and valued part of the health service locally, with significant strengths, and that it will continue to play an important role in the future delivery of health and care in the area. We value these conversations and remain committed to ongoing engagement and clear communication as we work together to shape the future of health and care in Fermanagh and West Tyrone.”