09/10/2026
The Western Trust was delighted to welcome the Health Minister to the Human Milk Bank at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen, to learn more about the vital service it provides to vulnerable infants and families across the island of Ireland.
During the recent visit, Minister Butler met with staff and heard first-hand about the life-changing impact of donor human milk for premature and critically ill babies requiring specialist neonatal care. The Human Milk Bank, the only facility of its kind on the island of Ireland, supplies pasteurised donor breast milk to neonatal units across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Each year, the service processes and pasteurises more than 1,200 litres of donated breast milk, supporting over 1,100 babies.
Susan Rogers, Lead Nurse for Public Health and the Human Milk Bank, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Health Minister to our Human Milk Bank and to showcase the incredible work carried out by our dedicated team. As the only Human Milk Bank on the island of Ireland, we provide a vital service to some of the sickest and most premature babies who require donor milk.“The visit provided an opportunity to explain how donor milk supports infant health and outcomes, and how milk donation following the loss of a baby can bring comfort and meaning to bereaved families. It was important to highlight the significant impact this service has on families across Ireland.”
The Minister was given a tour of the facility and learned about the journey of donor milk from collection and screening through to pasteurisation and distribution to neonatal units.
Kevin Duffy, Assistant Director for Child Health and Disability within the Western Trust, said:
“We were absolutely delighted to welcome the Health Minister and provide an insight into the day-to-day work of our staff. The Human Milk Bank delivers a vital service to more than 1,100 babies each year, offering a lifeline to very sick and premature infants until their mother’s own breast milk supply is established.“We were also pleased to share the story of the Milk Bank’s development over the past 25 years, highlighting how the service has grown and evolved to become a key component of neonatal care across the island of Ireland. We look forward to continuing to develop and strengthen this important service in the years ahead.”
The visit highlighted the importance of the vital service based in SWAH, the dedication of the Human Milk Bank team and the essential role donor milk plays in improving outcomes for vulnerable babies while supporting families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
Further information about the Fermanagh and West Tyrone Health and Care Futures programme, including the public questionnaire, Frequently Asked Questions and engagement opportunities, is available through the Western Trust Health and Care Futures Online Hub: Fermanagh and West Tyrone Future Health and Care Services | Western Health & Social Care Trust
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