About the Vision
The Western Trust is developing a new Vision for Health and Care Futures in Fermanagh and West Tyrone, following extensive engagement with staff and stakeholders between October 2025 and February 2026.
This work follows Trust Board approval in October 2025, after a request from the Health Minister, to close the Public Consultation on Emergency General Surgery and begin a new programme of work to develop a forward‑looking Vision focused on local people and places.
What the Vision Will Do
The Vision will describe how South West Acute Hospital and community services can work together to meet the needs of a changing population.
Rising demand and increasing complexity, as seen across Northern Ireland, mean change is needed to ensure services remain safe, sustainable and high quality.
Key Areas Informing the Vision
As agreed by Trust Board, the Vision will be informed by several important areas, including:
- Population health needs and future projections
- Primary and community care interfaces
- Evidence on the role of rural hospitals
- Department of Health policy, including the Neighbourhood Model
- Enhanced public and community engagement
Engagement to Date
Between October 2025 and February 2026, the Trust carried out a wide‑ranging programme of stakeholder engagement to update, listen and gather feedback.
This included meetings with Public Representatives (all political parties, MLAs, MPs and Councils), the Fermanagh Business Stakeholders Group, and two meetings with the Save Our Acute Services Executive Team in December 2025 and February 2026.
Commitment to Ongoing Engagement
The Trust remains committed to meaningful engagement, ensuring the views of staff, communities, partners and elected representatives help shape the Vision.
Next Steps
A structured programme of engagement will take place from June to September 2026, with a pre‑engagement phase beginning in April 2026.
The Trust is working with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to support wider community engagement, using established community planning structures to reflect population diversity, including Section 75 groups.
Further meetings with Public Representatives will also take place to provide updates and gather feedback.
What Happens Next
Following the engagement phase ending in September 2026, feedback will be analysed and a draft Vision presented to Trust Board in November 2026.
Trust Board will then agree next steps, including the timeline for launching the Vision for Fermanagh and West Tyrone Health and Care Futures.