Engagement Information

 

 

 

 

Trust delivers extensive Pre-Engagement exercise ahead of formal Engagement Phase for a new Vision

The Western Trust has completed an extensive programme of engagement with staff, stakeholders and partners ahead of the next phase of work to develop a new Vision for future health and care services across Fermanagh and West Tyrone.

The Trust has now launched a formal programme of public engagement, running from June to September 2026, building on more than eight months of preparatory engagement, listening events and information sessions held between October 2025 and June 2026.

During that period, the Trust has delivered more than 80 engagement meetings, briefings and information sessions involving staff, trade unions, elected representatives, local councils, the Department of Health, Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), Public Health Agency, Patient and Client Council and a wide range of community and voluntary organisations.

A detailed log of information, on the range of pre-engagement meetings and briefings held, is provided in the drop down segment below – or view the detailed updated PDF log link here (updated on 30 June 2026)

• Fermanagh and West Tyrone H&C Futures – Engagement Log

People can also participate at a time that suits them by completing the online questionnaire through NI Direct Citizen Space

The current engagement programme is not a public consultation. Instead, it is a structured programme of engagement designed to gather views, experiences and ideas from staff, local communities, service users, carers and partner organisations before the Vision is developed further.

Throughout the summer and into the autumn, the Trust will continue to engage with local communities through a range of opportunities, including community events, hospital and GP sites, local venues and public spaces across Fermanagh and West Tyrone. Online engagement webinars will also be held, providing opportunities for people to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.

The formal engagement phase launched on 16 June 2026, with online engagement questionnaires available for the public and staff. The online questionnaire has been setup for any member of the public to complete online at NI Direct Citizen Space – link below.

• Health Care Futures – Fermanagh & West Tyrone – NI Direct – Citizen Space

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This central online information hub remains the single source of public information for updates, timelines, FAQs, engagement materials, current service information and details of how people can take part.

Posters will be distributed in July and printed information leaflets in August 2026 to help support non-digital participation and help promote engagement across Trust facilities, community services, GP services, health centres and community sector networks.

• Stakeholder Pre-Engagement Sessions Log

  The Trust has delivered a high level of sustained and structured engagement activity delivered in support of the development of a future vision for Future Health and Social Care Services in Fermanagh and West Tyrone programme between October 2025 and June 2026.

  • Fermanagh and West Tyrone H&C Futures – Engagement Log

  Note: This is not a Consultation but a focussed engagement programme to help inform and develop a new Vision.

   External Engagement Phase (October 2025-June 2026)

  EXTERNAL Stakeholder Engagement Phase: Meetings with MPs, MLAs, Councils, Other Key Stakeholders (based on Enquiries and requests for engagement in October-December 2025 & January-June 2026)

  Date	Group/Detail	Lead	Trust Team	Notes/Actions
  3/10/25	Dept of health & SPPG	Neil Guckian		Update Meeting following Trust Board workshop
  6/10/25	FODC H&SCC	Geraldine McKay	In Person: Geraldine McKay, Director of Unscheduled Care, Medicine, Cancer and Clinical Services; Dr Brendan Lavery, Medical Director; Shane Breen, Asst Director, Integrated Care Systems; Chris Curran, Senior Communications Manager & Public Affairs; Virtual: Mark Gillespie, Director of Surgery, Paediatrics & Women’s Health
  07/10/25	Trust Board	Chair, Dr Frawley	Trust Board	Engagement and discussion on closing of the Public Consultation on EGS and launching a new programme of work to develop a new FWT Vision.
  10/10/25	Chair FODC H&SCC, Cllr Errol Thompson	Teresa Molloy	Teresa Molloy, Director of Planning, Performance & Corporate Services; Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Meeting Virtual – providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps.
  10/10/25	Chair FODC, Cllr B McElduff		Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Meeting in SWAH – providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps.
  24/10/25	SDLP MP, MLA Group: MP Colum Eastwood, MLA Sinead McLaughlin, MLA Mark Durkan, MLA Daniel McCrossan, MLA Cara Hunter	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Brendan Lavery, Chris Curran, Oliver Kelly	Providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps – answering questions with regard to public statements and all questions arising from SDLP Party Elected Reps.
  29/10/25	UUP Diana Armstrong MLA	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Geraldine McKay, Shane Breen	Meeting at request of MLA
  06/11/25	Meeting with FODC Chair and CE	Chris Curran	Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Meeting re Fermanagh and West Tyrone Narrative and Vision Work Planning (incl. SWAH)
  12/11/25	Meeting with SF Cllrs Group DSDC – x 6 Cllrs		Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps.
  13/11/25	Derry Strabane DC	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Chief Executive; Teresa Molloy, Director of Planning, Performance & Corporate Services; Dr Brendan Lavery, Medical Director; Mark Gillespie, Director of Surgery, Paediatrics & Women’s Health; Shane Breen, Asst Director, Integrated Care Systems; Chris Curran, Senior Communications Manager & Public Affairs;	Providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps – answering questions with regard to public statements, SOAS Presentation to DSDC Council, going through questions arising from Cllrs present.
  13/11/25	Meet with Editor & Editorial Team in Impartial Reporter	Chris Curran	Chris Curran, Shane Breen, Oliver Kelly, Prof Ronan O’Hare	Meeting to talk through proposed PR, features and info campaign and work ahead on the FWT Vision Programme.
  21/11/25	Sinn Fein MLA, MP Group: MP Pat Cullen MP Orfhlaith Begley MLA Aine Murphy MLA Jemma Dolan MLA Colm Gildernew MLA Declan McAleer MLA Nicola Brogan	Teresa Molloy	Teresa Molloy, Brendan Lavery, Mark Gillespie, Geraldine McKay, Donna Keenan, Monica Monaghan, Oliver Kelly, Chris Curran	Providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps – answering questions with regard to public statements, SOAS Presentation to DSDC Council, going through questions arising from Party Elected Reps.
  19/11/25	SF Northern Sector Party Group Meeting MLA Padraig Delargy, MLA Ciara Ferguson	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Chris Curran	Providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps – answering questions with regard to public statements, SOAS response and going through questions arising from Party Elected Reps.
  20/11/25	Meeting Chair NI Assembly Health Committee, MLA Philip McGuigan	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Chris Curran	Providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps – answering questions with regard to public statements, SOAS response and going through questions arising from Party Elected Reps.
  20/11/25	Strategic Engagement Forum	Teresa Molloy	Service User Involvement Forum,	FWT Briefing & Engagement in Service user meeting (6 attendees)
  21/11/25	Alliance Party Group: MLA Nuala McAlister, Hannah Irwin SpAd (Apologies – MLA Danny Donnelly) Noted – Cllr Eddie Roofe apology from Nuala McAlister in respect of attendance.	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Teresa Molloy, Brendan Lavery, Mark Gillespie, Geraldine McKay, Donna Keenan, Monica Monaghan, Oliver Kelly, Chris Curran	Providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps – answering questions with regard to public statements, SOAS response going through questions arising from Party Elected Reps.
  21/11/25 SOAS Cancelled this meeting	Planned Meeting with SOAS Group in Fermanagh and Omagh Council, Enniskillen. See correspondence and public info	Neil Guckian	Meeting did not proceed, cancelled late on Thursday (5pm) by SOAS who notified Council and Trust.	https://westerntrust.hscni.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WT006-211125-Letter-to-SOAS-21-November-2025.pdf Western Trust begin stakeholder pre engagement meetings schedule | Western Health & Social Care Trust
  25/11/25	SPPG & PHA Meeting	Neil Guckian		Vision planning Engagement discussion
  27/11/25	Meeting with NI Assembly HC in SWAH	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Dr Tom Frawley, Dr Brendan Lavery, Teresa Molloy MLA Health Committee Members: Philip McGuigan, Chair, Sinn Fein Danny Donnelly, Deputy Chair, Alliance Colin McGrath, SDLP Alan Chambers, UUP Diane Dodds, DUP, Lynda Dillon, SF	UTV Feature, Local Media – Impartial Reporter and Fermanagh Herald both attended for walkaround visit Western Trust provides Independent Improved Outcomes Data for Emergency General Surgery Patients to Assembly Committee for Health | Western Health & Social Care Trust
  28/11/25	Meeting with Herald Group Media Editorial Team – Group Director, Editors of Fermanagh H, Ulster H, Tyrone H, Strabane Chronicle (x4)	Chris Curran	Chris Curran, Shane Breen, Oliver Kelly, Prof Ronan O’Hare	Meeting to talk through proposed PR, features and info campaign and work ahead on the FWT Vision Programme.
  15/12/25	MLA/MPs/Elected Reps attending from UUP are listed below. Diana Armstrong MLA Cllr. Victor Warrington Cllr. Rosemary Barton Cllr. Roy Crawford Apologies – Cllr. John McClaughry Lord Elliott. Lewis McVitty, Party Researcher.	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Teresa Molloy, Brendan Lavery, Mark Gillespie, Geraldine McKay, Monica Monaghan, Chris Curran, Shane Breen	Providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps – answering questions with regard to public statements, SOAS information in public, going through questions arising from Party Elected Reps.
  15/12/25	Business Leaders Meeting in Encirc, Enniskillen Led by Fiacre O’Donnell and a number of CEO/Managing Directors of Businesses in Fermanagh. Business Stakeholder Representatives highlighted in photo PR on link.	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Teresa Molloy, Brendan Lavery, Mark Gillespie, Geraldine McKay, Chris Curran, Shane Breen	Tour of Encirc as a wider group followed by Roundtable discussions in groups. Providing update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps – answering questions with regard to SWAH and clarifying information re public statements, SOAS questions, going through questions and concerns raised by Business Leaders. Trust Update: Fermanagh and West Tyrone Future Health and Care Services | Western Health & Social Care Trust Business Leaders Release: Fermanagh business leaders meet with Western Health and Social Care Trust – Encirc
  15/12/25	Meeting DUP MLAs: MLA Deborah Erskine MLA Gary Middleton MLA Alan Robinson MLA Tom Buchanan MLA Diane Dodds	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Teresa Molloy, Brendan Lavery, Mark Gillespie, Geraldine McKay, Shane Breen, Chris Curran, Oliver Kelly	Did not proceed – To be re-organised in January 2026
  16/12/25	Trade Unions Joint Forum	Shane Breen	Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Briefing and Engagement on FWT Vision Programme with TU Joint Forum
  19/12/25	SOAS Engagement to discuss way forward in Fermanagh House		Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Meeting with SOAS Representatives: Patrick Mulholland (NIPSA), Helen Hamill, Donal O’Coffai, Fr Brian Darcy, Jimmy Hamill. Lengthy discussion to look at how SOAS and the Western Trust could engage going forward.
  15/01/26	Strategic Engagement Forum	Teresa Molloy	Service User Involvement Forum,	FWT Briefing & Engagement in Service user meeting (5 attendees)
  22/01/2026	Meeting with the Fermanagh and Omagh Full Council, 7pm.   This is a Live Streamed Meeting. In person and Hybrid in Omagh Council Offices, Grange.   Full Live Meeting here:   CLICK HERE to view Live Stream	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, , Geraldine McKay (Lead Director), Teresa Molloy, Brendan Lavery, Mark Gillespie, Maura O’Neill, Donna Keenan, Karen Hargan, Shane Breen, Chris Curran.	To provide update on the FWT Futures Project planning and next steps, Status and position re EGS, SOAS Roadmap position from the Trust, answering questions arising from Council Elected Reps.
  23/01/2026	Meeting with DoH Comms	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Teresa Molloy, Chris Curran, Oliver Kelly
  23/01/2026	Meeting with Service user Involvement Rep, Dinah Shortt	Shane Breen, Chris Curran		Discuss engagement, communications, language and planned leaflet March 2026
  26/01/2026	Meeting with CE Council & Director Community Planning re ICLRD Report	Teresa Molloy	Teresa Molloy, Shane Breen, Seamus Ward, Chris Curran	Meeting to discuss the Draft ICLRD Report and the issues raised by the Trust in respect of errors and omissions.
  29/01/2026	Stakeholder engagement with the Local Negotiating Committee	HR	Chris Curran
  06/02/2026	Staff Engagement and Advisory Group	Mark Gillespie, Monica Monaghan, HR	Large Group, PMO	Meeting to discuss Engagement Design for next phase of Vision work with Denise Hampson and Hannah Clubb
  06/02/2026 In Tara Centre, Omagh	Meeting with SOAS Executive and Trust. SOAS Represented by Patrick Mulholland (NIPSA GS), Donal O’Coffai, Brian Darcy, Jimmy Hamill, Helen Hamill	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Teresa Molloy, Brendan Lavery, Mark Gillespie, Shane Breen, Chris Curran DoH: Director, Joanne Elliott	The Trust Executive met for the first time with SOAS Executive to talk through the Trust’s Response to the SOAS Roadmap and answered questions re EGS.
  09/02/2026	Meeting with Jason Foy, Director at DAERA	Shane Breen	Shane Breen, Seamus Ward, Chris Curran	Meeting to talk through Rural Consultation and area of overlap and collaboration on forthcoming engagement and vision
  10/02/2026	Stakeholder Analysis Meeting (Kathy Graham) with Members of the SWAH SDG: Mark Taylor, Joanne Elliott, Alison McCullagh, Cllr Barry McElduff, Jenny Irvine, Dinah Shortt, Carol Reid	Neil Guckian	Facilitated K Graham, Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Stakeholder analysis and Transition from the SWAH Strategic Development Group through to the next phase. Includes Council Chair/CE and External Stakeholders involved previously in SWAH SDG.
  10/02/2026 FODC Council Offices, Omagh	Meeting with Chair of FODC, Cllr B McElduff, and CEO Alison McCullagh		Shane Breen and Chris Curran	Meeting to talk through the ICLRD Report, Trust correspondence and issues raised in respect of inaccuracies and information.
  16/02/2026	FODC Request for Council to Visit and meet and engage with Staff at Omagh hospital & PCC – Chair/CE	Mark Gillespie, Dr Maura O’Neill	Mark Gillespie, Maura O’Neill, Shane Breen, Chris Curran with Senior leaders in Omagh Hospital	Walk-around and engaged with staff across all the following areas – Cardiac Assessment Unit, which sees 9000 patients per year; Urgent Care and Treatment Centre, which sees 22000 patients per year; The Treatment Rooms, where 200 outpatient appointments are scheduled per day, over 50,000 appointments per year; Paliative Care and Rehabilitation wards; Day Procedure Unit and Theatres Video and PR Features following.
  17/02/2026	ICLRD Advocacy Report Launch and Engagement Day in Killehevlin, Enniskillen	Maura O’Neill	Maura O’Neill, Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Rural Health Event hosted by ICLRD and FODC to launch and engage on the Advocacy Report.
  18/02/2026	Meeting with Dr Laura McDonnell, SWGP Fed and SDG		Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Meeting with Dr McDonnell to discuss the SWAH SDG, next phase and follow up engaging with Maura O’Neill and team for Primary Care in Strategic Advisory Group going forward
  19/02/2026	Community Planning Strategic Partnership Board	Teresa Molloy	Teresa Molloy, Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Meeting and presentation to the FODC CPSPB and Agency Partners on the Engagement and FWT Vision moving forward
  19/02/2026	Fermanagh and Omagh Council Health and social Care Sub Committee.   Hybrid Meeting	Geraldine McKay	Geraldine McKay, Karen O’Brien, Chris Curran	FODC Health & Social Care Committee, Update on latest issues and presentation on Adult Mental Health Services. Group Meet 4 times per year. Workshop Meeting to be looked at for FWT Engagement with the Health Committee in April 2026.
  20/02/2026	Meeting with DUP Party Group MLA Deborah Erskine, MLA Tom Buchanan, MLA Diane Dodds	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Mark Gillespie. Brendan Lavery, Maura O’Neill, Chris Curran, Shane Breen, Oliver Kelly	Meeting to talk through issues, including EGS latest CHKS Report data, outcomes information and full update on the FWT Vision Planning and Programme of work.
  26/02/26	Engagement Meeting with Patient Client Council	Shane Breen	Shane Breen, Seamus Ward, Chris Curran	Briefing and engagement with PCC on way forward in Engagement planning for FWT Vision work
  26/02/26	Engagement Meeting with Improvement through Involvement Committee	Teresa Molloy		Briefing and engagement with PCC on way forward in Engagement planning for FWT Vision work
  26/02/26	DoH, SPPG & PHA Meeting	Neil Guckian		Vision planning Engagement discussion
  27/02/2026	Meeting CAWT	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Chris Curran	Meeting re Enquiries and Public Rep/Council enquiries on CAWT provision and programmes to date
  05/03/2026	Rural Health Day in association with RCGP	Chris Curran	Minister attending	Attendance at Rural Primary Care Event in Fermanagh House, link with GPS in southern sector.
  13/03/26	Rural Health Day		Public event	Community Engagement Event
  19/03/26	Engagement Meeting with Improvement through Involvement Committee	Teresa Molloy		Briefing and engagement with PCC on way forward in Engagement planning for FWT Vision work
  01/04/2026	Meeting with PSNI Fermanagh West Tyrone, District Commander	Neil Guckian	Neil Guckian, Dr Brendan Lavery, Chris Curran	Discussion on collaboration in the area and links to Hospitals – SWAH and Omagh HPCC
  02/04/26	Trust Board	Chair, Dr Frawley		Briefing and discussion on planned approach and way forward for Engagement phases for FWT Vision work
  13/04/2026	Meeting with Council Community Planning – FODC Community Voluntary Sector Forum on FWT Vision and Planning for Engagement. Invited Attendees included: Action For Children), Jenny Irvine (ARC), Community Advice Fermanagh, Connect Fermanagh, Early Years Fermanagh, Easilink, OAK HLC, Fermanagh Community Transport, Sonya (Fermanagh Trust), Omagh Focused,  Lakeland Care,  OIAS, Omagh Community Forum, Omagh Volunteer Centre, South West Age Partnership, Fermanagh and Omagh Council Reps – Helen Sheils, Gary Mortland, Alison Gilmore, Kim Weir. Deirdre O’Connor, Julie Matthews, John Boyle	Shane Breen	Shane Breen, Seamus Ward, Chris Curran	Facilitation of Meeting with WHSCT re Fermanagh and West Tyrone Health and Care Futures Project  with Community Voluntary Sector Leaders.
  15/04/26	DoH, SPPG & PHA Meeting	Neil Guckian		Vision planning Engagement discussion
  07/05/26	Trust Board	Chair, Dr Frawley		Briefing and discussion on planned approach and way forward for Engagement phases for FWT Vision work – Approved by TB.
  15/05/26	Engagement Meeting with Patient Client Council	Shane Breen	Shane Breen, Seamus Ward, Chris Curran	Briefing and engagement with PCC on way forward in Engagement planning for FWT Vision work
  15/05/26	Meeting Update Briefing with DoH, SPPG & PHA	Teresa Molloy	Teresa Molloy, Brendan Lavery, Mark Gillespie, Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Update on the FWT Vision Programme of Work
  01/06/26	Council Chair & to Omagh Renal Unit, Urgent Care, Outpatients	Geraldine McKay	Geraldine McKay, Julie Collins, Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Follow Engagement sessions with Council at Omagh in respect of Vision Work
  04/06/26	Carers Event in Silverbirch	Geraldine McLaughlin	HI Team, Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Update on FWT Visioning Work and programme of engagement, Engagement Questionnaires with Carers Group
  05/06/26	Briefing Session with Alliance Party Group led by MLA Danny Donnelly and with Cllr Stephen Donnelly	CEO Karen Hargan	Karen Hargan, Teresa Molloy, Geraldine McKay, Brendan Lavery, Mark Gillespie, Donna Keenan, Eimear McAuley, Shane Breen, Oliver Kelly, Chris Curran	Briefing agenda included FWT Vision next steps, Financial Outlook and Latest Developments at Omagh and SWAH Detailed Public Reps Brief provided – see Appendix 2
  05/06/26	Briefing Session with UUP Party Group led by MLA Diana Armstrong with Lord Elliott, Cllr Warrington, Cllr McClaughry	CEO Karen Hargan	Karen Hargan, Geraldine McKay, Mark Gillespie, Donna Keenan, Eimear McAuley, Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Briefing agenda included FWT Vision next steps, Financial Outlook and Latest Developments at Omagh and SWAH Detailed Public Reps Brief provided – see Appendix 2
  09/06/26	Carers Event in Killyhevlin	Geraldine McLaughlin	Involvement and Health Improvement Team, Ciaran Lockhart	Update on FWT Visioning Work and programme of engagement, Launch of Public Engagement Questions
  12/06/26	Sinn Fein MLA, MP Group: MP Orfhlaith Begley MLA Aine Murphy MLA Jemma Dolan MLA Colm Gildernew MLA Declan McAleer MLA Nicola Brogan MLA Ciara Ferguson Apol: MP Pat Cullen, MLA Padraig Delargy	CEO Karen Hargan	Karen Hargan, Teresa Molloy, Dr Brendan Lavery, Dr Maura O’Neill, Geraldine McKay, Mark Gillespie, Shane Breen, Chris Curran, Oliver Kelly	Briefing session update on Financial Outlook, FWT Vision Programme of Work and Updates on Hospital & Community Services. Meeting was cancelled due to the Civil Unrest. MLAs attended instead at SWAH and Altnagelvin for united front against racism against staff. Western Trust Reaffirms United Support for Ethnic Minority Staff and Communities | Western Health & Social Care Trust Meeting to be rescheduled quickly on 24 June 2026
  12/06/26	DUP MLA, MP Group: MP Gregory Campbell MLA Deborah Erskine, MLA Tom Bushanan, MLA Diane Dodds, MLA Julie Middleton, MLA Alan Robinson Cllr S Hawkes	CEO Karen Hargan	Karen Hargan, Teresa Molloy, Dr Brendan Lavery, Dr Maura O’Neill, Geraldine McKay, Mark Gillespie, Shane Breen, Chris Curran, Oliver Kelly	Briefing session update on Financial Outlook, FWT Vision Programme of Work and Updates on Hospital & Community Services. Meeting was cancelled due to the Civil Unrest. MLAs attended instead at SWAH and Altnagelvin for united front against racism against staff. Western Trust Reaffirms United Support for Ethnic Minority Staff and Communities | Western Health & Social Care Trust Meeting to be rescheduled quickly on 24 June 2026
  23/06/26	Joint Forum (with Trade Unions)	Chris Curran	23 members in attendance	Briefing and Engagement on FWT Vision Programme with Joint Forum (TU).
  24/06/26	Sinn Fein MLA, MP Group: MP Pat Cullen MP Orfhlaith Begley MLA Aine Murphy MLA Jemma Dolan MLA Colm Gildernew MLA Declan McAleer MLA Nicola Brogan MLA Ciara Ferguson MLA Maoiliosa McHugh Apol: MLA Padraig Delargy	CEO Karen Hargan	Karen Hargan, Teresa Molloy, Dr Brendan Lavery, Dr Maura O’Neill, Geraldine McKay, Shane Breen, Chris Curran, Oliver Kelly	Briefing session update on Financial Outlook, FWT Vision Programme of Work and Updates on Hospital & Community Services. Meeting was cancelled due to the passing of Trust Board Chair, Dr Frawley Meeting rescheduled on 23 July 2026
  24/06/26	DUP MLA, MP Group: MP Gregory Campbell MLA Deborah Erskine, MLA Tom Bushanan, MLA Diane Dodds, MLA Julie Middleton, MLA Alan Robinson Cllr S Hawkes	CEO Karen Hargan	Karen Hargan, Teresa Molloy, Dr Brendan Lavery, Dr Maura O’Neill, Geraldine McKay, Shane Breen, Chris Curran, Oliver Kelly	Briefing session update on Financial Outlook, FWT Vision Programme of Work and Updates on Hospital & Community Services. Meeting was cancelled due to the passing of Trust Board Chair, Dr Frawley Meeting rescheduled on 23 July 2026
  24/06/26	Follow up meeting with Fermanagh Business Stakeholders Group in SWAH, with Tour in SWAH	Karen Hargan, CEO	Karen Hargan, Teresa Molloy, Dr Brendan Lavery, Dr Maura O’Neill, Geraldine McKay, Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Due to unavailability of Bus Stakeholders Group Lead, this is being rescheduled in August/September.
  24/06/26	Meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh Council Health & Social Care Committee, 3pm New H/C Chair Cllr B McGrath & 9 Council Elected Members, CEO Council. Live Streamed Meeting	CEO Karen Hargan	Karen Hargan, Geraldine McKay, Teresa Molloy, Dr Brendan Lavery, Dr Maura O’Neill, Shane Breen, Chris Curran	Briefing session update on Financial Outlook, FWT Vision Programme of Work and Updates on Hospital & Community Services. Meeting was cancelled due to the passing of Trust Board Chair, Dr Frawley Meeting to be rescheduled in early July 2026

   

  Staff & Internal Engagement & Communications (October 2025-June 2026)

  Internal Engagement Phase: Fermanagh and West Tyrone Staff Engagement and Advisory Group has been established with Engagement Leads appointed across the range of services in Hospital and Community and staff-side trade union representatives.

  Engagement leads will be coordinating a range of engagement sessions with staff across service areas in July, August and September 2026.

  Date	Event	Stakeholder	Details
  15/10/2025	Staff Engagement and Advisory Group	Staff/Unions	Ongoing Staff FWT Briefing and engagement session (30 staff members)
  05/12/2025	Staff Engagement and Advisory Group	Staff/Unions	Ongoing Staff FWT Briefing and engagement session (30 staff members)
  27/11/2025	Senior Leaders Forum	Staff	FWT Briefing and engagement session – 81 senior leaders attended
  16/01/2026	Staff Engagement and Advisory Group	Staff/Unions	Ongoing FWT Briefing and engagement session (30 staff members)
  05/02/2026	Staff Vision Meetings (x5 individual open meeting in total)	Staff	Approx. 100 staff in total attended to talk through proposed engagement planning, questions and engagement, providing feedback to independent facilitators from HSC Leadership Centre for new Engagement approach with staff and the public for the development of a Vision.
  06/02/2026	Staff Engagement and Advisory Group	Staff/Unions	Formal engagement session on the development of an Engagement plan and questions in the development of a new vision for FWT
  06/03/2026	Staff Engagement and Advisory Group	Staff/Unions	Ongoing FWT Briefing and engagement session (30 staff members)
  06/03/2026	Engagement leads focus group	Staff	engagement session to talk through planned engagement mechanisms and ideas to qork towards maximum feedback and engagement from staff to help develop a new Vision for FWT.
  20/03/2026	Engagement leads	Staff	FWT Briefing and engagement session
  01/05/2026	Staff Engagement and Advisory Group	Staff/Unions	Ongoing FWT Briefing and engagement session (30 staff members)
  05/06/2026	Staff Engagement and Advisory Group	Staff/Unions	Ongoing FWT Briefing and engagement session (30 staff members)

   

• FWT Health and Care Futures Online Engagement Questions

  The Trust has setup the Engagement Phase Questionnaire and Online Survey on ‘Citizen Space’ at nidirect.gov.uk. Scan the QR code below or click on the link below. 

  

  Health Care Futures – Fermanagh & West Tyrone – NI Direct – Citizen Space

• Approved Engagement Plan: three strands of work

  The Trust Board has approved an Engagement Plan which sets out three connected strands of work: staff engagement, public and community engagement, and stakeholder and public representative engagement. These strands are supported by a communications and information campaign, central governance arrangements and a consistent approach to recording, analysing and reporting feedback.

  The Trust has also been asked in May/June 2026 to undertake additional work arising from the HSC savings plans, which may have associated impacts. This could require engagement on both issues to run concurrently. If so, delivery of the full Fermanagh and West Tyrone engagement programme may take longer, given available resources and to ensure there is very clear parallel lines involving this Engagement work and the possible consultation work of the HSC Savings plans. This will also ensure there is less direct group engagement in July and August 2026, which will allow for the summer holiday period – an issue which had previously been highlighted by Public Representatives. Trust Board has also been advised and has approved this approach.

  Strand 1: Staff engagement. Staff engagement will run through Directorate Engagement Leads, staff briefings, director-led sessions, established team and professional meetings, the Staff Information Hub, the We Are West App and online and paper questionnaire routes. The aim is to ensure staff understand the purpose and scope of the programme, have opportunities to contribute, and can help identify practical opportunities, risks and conditions for successful change.

  Strand 2: Public and community engagement. Public engagement will be delivered from June to September 2026 (with provisional allowance that this may run through October 2026 – depending on competing demands). This will be delivered through online questionnaires, paper and accessible routes, pop-up engagement, community group sessions and targeted outreach. The Trust is working with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council community planning structures, including the Integrated Wellbeing Network and the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum, to reach rural communities, Section 75 groups and people who may not traditionally engage.

  Strand 3: Stakeholder and public representative engagement. The Trust will continue direct engagement with MLAs, MPs, council representatives, party groups, key external stakeholder groups, business stakeholders, SOAS, PCC, DoH, SPPG, PHA, community planning partners and other relevant organisations. This will support informed discussion, consistent messaging, promotion of engagement opportunities and early identification of concerns or issues requiring follow-up.

  The Engagement Plan is clear that this is not a formal consultation on specific service changes. It is an exploratory engagement exercise designed to understand population need, community expectations, attitudes towards potential future models of care, and what would need to be in place for change to be safe, trusted and sustainable.

• Video Update on Formal Engagement Phase Launch (16/06/2026)

  Formal Engagement Phase launched in developing a new Vision for Fermanagh and West Tyrone Health and Care Futures

  Video Update on the Fermanagh and West Tyrone Health and Care Futures Vision work, from Teresa Molloy (Director of Planning, Performance & Corporate Services)

• 'Formal Engagement' phase in June 2026

  The Western Trust has launched the next stage in developing a new Vision for future health and care services in Fermanagh and West Tyrone, following approval by Trust Board. The programme now moves into a formal engagement phase, with structured engagement taking place from June to September 2026.

  The Vision will set out how hospital and community services can work together to meet the needs of a changing and growing population. It will take a whole-system view of care across Fermanagh and West Tyrone, including South West Acute Hospital, with a focus on ensuring services are safe, sustainable and high quality into the future.

  Western Trust Chief Executive Karen Hargan said:

  “This is about developing a clear, forward-looking Vision for health and care services in Fermanagh and West Tyrone, shaped by the people who use, deliver and rely on those services every day.”

  “We are committed to meaningful, inclusive and transparent engagement. This formal engagement phase is an opportunity for staff, communities, partners and public representatives to tell us what matters most, what is working well and where change is needed.”

  The announcement follows a comprehensive early engagement programme carried out between October 2025 and May 2026. This involved staff, public representatives, local councils, the Department of Health, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group, the Public Health Agency and a range of stakeholder groups.

  The next phase will be delivered in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council through established community planning structures, whilst the Trust will also maintain continued discussions with a range of other key stakeholders. This will help ensure a wide range of voices are heard, including Section 75 groups and people who may not always take part in formal engagement processes.

  Karen Hargan continued:

  “We recognise that this is an important and sensitive piece of work. We want people to have clear information, open opportunities to take part and confidence that their views will be listened to. By working together, we can build a Vision that supports safe, sustainable and high-quality services for local people now and in the years ahead.”

  Following completion of the formal engagement programme, the Trust will review the feedback received and present initial analysis to Trust Board from November 2026. This will help inform the development of the Vision and the next steps towards its launch.

• Engagement Questionnaire and design

  The questionnaire has been designed with support from HSC Leadership Centre Associates and focuses on future models of care rather than specific service changes. The public and staff questions explore confidence, access, support needs and practical barriers in relation to:

  • Receiving care from a wider range of health and care professionals.
  • Using digital health services, including apps, online forms, video appointments and online booking.
  • Supporting people to manage more of their own health and care.
  • New types of treatment, technology and innovation.
  • Treatment at home and in the community.
  • Improving access to services across Fermanagh and West Tyrone.
• Formal engagement questions and information routes

  The formal engagement phase launched on 16 June 2026, with online engagement questionnaires available for the public and staff.

  The questionnaire has been designed with support from HSC Leadership Centre Associates and focuses on future models of care rather than specific service changes. The public and staff questions explore confidence, access, support needs and practical barriers in relation to:

  • Receiving care from a wider range of health and care professionals.
  • Using digital health services, including apps, online forms, video appointments and online booking.
  • Supporting people to manage more of their own health and care.
  • New types of treatment, technology and innovation.
  • Treatment at home and in the community.
  • Improving access to services across Fermanagh and West Tyrone.

  The Trust’s central online information hub remains the single source of public information for updates, timelines, FAQs, engagement materials, current service information, Emergency General Surgery information and details of how people can take part. Printed information and posters will also support non-digital participation and help promote engagement across Trust facilities, community services, GP services, health centres and community sector networks.