10/03/2023
The first overnight elective surgical procedures have taken place at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen. Visiting General Surgeon Professor Mark Taylor completed gallbladder surgery on Wednesday and Thursday (8 and 9 March 2023) for patients from the Western Trust area and from across parts of Northern Ireland.
This follows the announcement by the Department of Health in November 2022 that South West Acute Hospital would become a regional Elective Centre for patients requiring inpatient stay following planned surgeries.
Western Trust Chief Executive, Neil Guckian said:
“We are delighted to see the first overnight elective procedures taking place at South West Acute Hospital. This is only the beginning of what is a very exciting development for SWAH, as we work hard to ensure that our theatre capacity across the hospital is increased for the benefit of the growing numbers of patients on long waiting lists.
“I wish to thank Professor Taylor for recognising South West Acute Hospital as a Great Place to Work and to our dedicated and professional theatre teams for supporting Prof Taylor. We look forward to welcoming more visiting Surgeons from across the Region in the coming months as we continue to grow our Overnight Elective Stay Centre at South West Acute Hospital.”
Neil added:
“As I have previously said, I understand the concern felt by the local population of Fermanagh and Tyrone following the temporary suspension of Emergency General Surgery at the hospital, however, the continued expansion of the Elective Overnight Stay Centre will help to ensure South West Acute Hospital has a vibrant future.”
Consultant Surgeon Professor Mark Taylor, said:
“I am delighted to have completed the first two days of surgery here at South West Acute Hospital, as part of the Elective Overnight Stay Centre.
“The theatres at South West Acute Hospital are first class and are supported by highly skilled and caring theatre teams. I would like to personally thank the Theatre team for their dedication and professionalism and for making me feel so welcome during my first two days completing surgery here.
“Overnight Elective Stay Centres are the way forward to combat Northern Ireland’s growing elective waiting lists. Hospitals throughout NI should ensure that they are utilising every inch of theatre capacity regionally for patients and where better than at the state-of-the-art theatres at South West Acute Hospital. Equally patients irrespective of where they live should be prepared to travel to centres such as this at South West Acute Hospital for more timely treatment.”