Contact for MLAs, MPs, Councillors and Public Representatives:
Chris Curran
Public Affairs, Relations and Engagement Manager
Western Trust Single Point Of Contact for MLA, MP, Councils, Public Representatives
Communications & Digital Media Manager
- Email: chris.curran@westerntrust.hscni.net
- Mobile: 07825 378780
- Direct Line: 028 8283 5457
Or
Oliver Kelly
Head of Communications
Individual Constituent Enquiries by email only (Consent form must be provided)
- For individual Constituent Enquiries by email contact please use the following method of communication:
Email: Madonna McGinley, Chief Executives Office, at Madonna.mcginley@westerntrust.hscni.net
NB. CC to: chris.curran@westerntrust.hscni.net when sending.
Out of Hours URGENT Contact only: outside of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday
- Out of Hours URGENT CONTACT only: Moving forward and to ensure your contact is dealt with efficiently at a time outside the normal working hours above please contact the following Out of Hours Number on 075 2589 7187. (Out of Hours: outside of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday)
- Please note that if urgent contact is required outside normal hours then the above number should be used and be aware that emails may not always be monitored outside of normal hours.
Briefing Sessions, Meetings and Engagement with MLA and MPs
There are four main full-briefing sessions planned in 2023 (details below) and there are also a number of additional Briefing sessions planned directly with MLA, MPs, Parties over the course of the year. In the event of any special briefing sessions which may be required, this will be notified in advance to all MLA, MPs and Public Representatives.
Any requests for additional meetings or engagements with Chief Executive or any senior staff in the Western Trust must be requested and co-ordinated through the Public Affairs Corporate Communications team. Contact details for the Public Affairs Manager are above.
Next MLA & MP Briefing Sessions as follows:
2. Friday 29 September 2023:
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- 9.30am-10.30am: DUP/SDLP/Independent
- 10.45am-11.45am: Sinn Fein/UUP
- Zoom Link for the Briefings, together with final Agenda, presentation and papers will be issued by email to MLA/MPs on Wednesday 27 September.
3. Friday 1 December 2023:
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- 10.30am-11.30am: Sinn Fein/UUP
- 11.45am-12.45pm: DUP/SDLP/Independent
- Zoom Link for the Briefings, together with final Agenda, presentation and papers will be issued by email to MLA/MPs on Wednesday 29 November.
All-Party Group for South West Acute hospital, Enniskillen
The above full MLA/MP Briefing Session dates are separate to the SWAH All Party Group Meetings which are scheduled as follows below.
These APG Meetings include the Trust team of Neil Guckian (Chief Executive), Dr Brendan Lavery (Medical Director), Mark Gillespie (Director of Planned Care), Prof Ronan O’Hare (Deputy Medical Director), Chris Curran (Public Affairs, Relations and Engagement Manager) and Oliver Kelly (Head of Communications).
Next Meeting of the SWAH APG:
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- Friday 20 October, 10am-11.15am, SWAH Boardroom (or via MSTeams if required)
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18/09/23: Important Update: Service Impacts in respect of Industrial Action on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 September 2023
Please note the below very important update with regard to Service Impacts in respect of Industrial Action on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 September 2023.
It is important to note that The Trust anticipates significant disruption to hospital and community services during this time, more so than any previous industrial action days, given the interdependency of services involved.
A period of varying levels of Industrial Action by members of the NIPSA, UNISON, UNITE, GMB Trade Unions, as well as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Society of Radiography and the Royal College of Midwives, will take place between 00:01hrs on Thursday 21 September through to 08.00hrs on Saturday 23rd September 2023.
The Trust’s Corporate Management Team and senior staff in all directorates have been working to put mechanisms in place to manage risks and ensure patient safety throughout this period of industrial action.
If you have any enquiries please contact me via email or on the mobile number below. If contacting outside normal hours then the ooh number to contact is: 075 2589 7187. (Out of Hours: outside of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).
Daily updates in respect of impact to services will be made available and updated daily on the Trust’s website from Tuesday 19 September.
Regards
Chris
Chris Curran
Public Affairs, Relations and Engagement Manager
Western Trust Single Point Of Contact for MLA, MP, Councils, Public Representatives
Communications & Digital Media ManagerMobile: 07825 378780
Impact on Thursday 21 September and Friday 22 September
Laboratory Services
GP non-urgent samples received at the laboratory after 3.00pm on Wednesday September 20 will not be carried over onto strike days, and will therefore have to be rejected.
On Thursday 21 September and Friday 22 September there will be no laboratory service for routine specimens. No routine GP deliveries or laboratory service is available due to industrial action. There will be a Strictly Emergency Only service, similar to current Christmas Day cover.
Radiography Services
Radiography services on all four hospital sites (Altnagelvin, SWAH, OHPCC, Roe Valley) will operate an ‘Emergency Only’ service, similar to Christmas Day cover, during the period of industrial action by the Society of Radiographers members.
This strike action will take place from 8.00am on Thursday 21 September until 8.00am on Saturday 23 September. Emergency patients will continue to be imaged during this time.
The Radiography Service will make direct contact with patients and service users impacted on these dates over the next few days.
Breast Screening appointments booked for 21st and 22nd September will be postponed, and all those affected will receive a new appointment in due course.
Non-emergency appointments currently booked for Radiography will be postponed and those affected will receive a new appointment in due course.
There will be no capacity for referrals to the Radiography service who do not have a pre-booked appointment agreed with the service.
Homecare Services
It is anticipated that there will be significant disruption to Homecare service provision. The Trust will endeavour to minimise the impact to care, however it is envisaged that a normal level of service will not be maintained.
If you or a family member is in receipt of Homecare, please consider alternative arrangements and support available to you. Homecare services delivered by our contracted providers are not expected to be affected.
Should an issue arise please call the local Homecare office on the following numbers: Northern Sector (Derry, Limavady, Dungiven) – (028) 7186 4385; Fermanagh (028) 6634 2414 or Strabane Castlederg and Omagh (028) 8283 5911.
The Homecare service will operate as normal on Saturday 23rd September.
Hospital appointments and procedures
A high volume of Outpatient appointments have been postponed and a significant number of planned procedures have also been postponed across our three hospital sites.
The Western Trust is in the process of making direct contact with patients and service users impacted on these dates. It is important to note that patients with a pre-booked appointment should attend unless we contact them to say that it has been postponed.
Day Centres and Day Opportunities
The following Learning Disability Day Centres and Opportunities will be closed on Thursday 21 September and Friday 22 September: Glenside ATC, Glenside Satellite, Evergreen, Omagh Centre, Dromore, Strathroy, Castlederg,Tir na Var and Kesh.
Oaktree, Fresh Focus Cross Street and Fresh Focus Tempo Road will be open as normal on Thursday 21 September but closed on Friday 22 September.
Valley Centre will operate a reduced service on Thursday 21 September and will be closed on Friday 22 September.
Primary Care and Older People’s Services
The following day centres will be open on Thursday 21 September but closed on Friday 22 September; Foyleville, Strabane and Creggan. Please note that transport will not be available to these centres, and service users of this centre will be asked to use their own transport.
The outreach service to Beragh on Friday 22 September will not be operating.
The following centres will be operating: Thackeray, Drumhaw, Tempo Road, Gortmore but transport will not be available for Thackeray and service users of this centre will be asked to use their own transport. Transport will be available for clients attending Drumhaw, Tempo Road, Gortmore.
Pharmacy
It is anticipated that there will be significant disruption in Pharmacy services during this period.
We will be running a very limited service that will be managed through an on call triage line and will be prioritising hospital discharges.
Patients will be unable to collect specialist medicines from any site on the days of Industrial Action.
Hospital Site Catering Facilities
There may be reduced catering facilities on Thursday 21 September and Friday 22 September. Patient meals will be prioritised. Staff are asked to note and make alternative arrangements.
Estates Management
Any requests for estates support, including medical equipment, will be prioritised in relation to overall patient/client/staff/visitor/facility safety. All requests will be triaged and responded to in line with a risk assessed approach.
Cleaning, Porters, Catering & Laundry Services
There will be a reduction in a number of Support Services. These services will be limited and prioritised based on supporting patient/client and staff safety. Business continuity planning arrangements are in place at each ward/department.
The Trust continues to work with Trades Union colleagues to protect our critical services and to try and minimise the impact of industrial action on our patients and service users
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18/09/2023: Department of Health statement on Industrial Action
Department of Health statement
The Department of Health is expecting significant disruption to services as a result of industrial action on September 21 and 22.
Intensive work will continue this week with the aim of mitigating impacts on the public where possible, but some reductions in service are inevitable.
Information on impacts from industrial action will be provided on HSC Trust websites this week.
The Department understands the deep-seated frustration over the ongoing absence of a pay offer for this year but very much regrets that colleagues have decided this industrial action is required.
In setting out the implications of the budget it received for 2023/24, the Department said in May that it was facing an “impossible position” and that decisions are required that are not in the best interests of the health and social care system.
That remains the case today. As has been previously stated, the current budgetary constraints mean that matching the English pay offer for Agenda for Change health and social care staff would require large scale cuts on an unprecedented scale, with severe and lasting implications for services. That would be outside the scope of our decision making powers.
The Department continues to look for ways to address the pay challenge.
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31/08/2023: GP/Primary Care update
The Department of Health requested the Western Trust take on the following APMS contracts in order to ensure the continued provision of GMS services to the patients in these practices:
- Dromore & Trillick Practice – 1 July 2022 to 31 March 2024
- Racecourse Medical Practice – 1 June 2023 to 31 March 2024
- Brookeborough & Tempo GP Practice – from 1 September 2023 initially
Provision of General Medical Services to the patients in both Dromore & Trilick and Racecourse Practices is currently delivered as per agreed Memorandum of Understanding which is supplemental to the APMS contract. Brookborough & Tempo Practice will also be managed under these arrangements from the 1st September.
In supporting the Practice Managers, the Trust oversees the GP rota for both practices, in doing so has developed a positive working relationship with GP locums ensuring the necessary cover is in place to provide GP services.
All permanent staff employed by each practice have been transferred to a Western Trust contract under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) NI Regulations 2006. The transfer of employment for Brookeborough & Tempo practice staff will take place on the 1st September. All transfer of staff to the Western Trust is managed by the Western Trust HR Department and supported by the PCOP Community Nursing and Strategic Change Manager.
In order to support the delivery of the GMS, the Trust has appointed a full time Pharmacist, SW, SWA and MHP in Dromore & Trillick. Derry GP Federation MDT staff based in Racecourse Practice are also supported by the Trust.
As per current Trust processes, the Practice will continue to be the initial point of contact for acknowledging and responding to information under Freedom of Information and complaints. However, the Trust Information Governance Department is now available to the Practices to provide advice and support.
The Trust has convened a Governance Group which is chaired by the Assistant Director PCOP (Community Nursing). This group meets on a fortnightly basis to discuss and monitor the operational running of both practices currently, whilst issues regarding the Brookeborough and Tempo Practice will be included in this meeting from 1 September 2023.
In addition to this, a joint SPPG/Western Trust meeting is also convened on a fortnightly basis, chaired by the Interim Director of PCOP. Working in partnership, these proactive meetings provide an opportunity to discuss and resolve any issues which arise in a timely manner.
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30/08/2023: Provision of Community Palliative Care Services
We are pleased to inform you that from Sunday 10th September 2023, Foyle Hospice will assume responsibility for providing Community Specialist Palliative Care Services across the whole of the Western Health and Social Care Trust area, which will include Omagh and Fermanagh District Council areas.
Please be assured that we are planning for a seamless transition, whereby existing services and support should be unaffected. Patients and staff will continue to receive the same high-quality service provided by the same Specialist Palliative Care Nurses now under the Foyle Hospice.
Referral to the Service will be via the current Regional Referral Form but directed to the Foyle Hospice Community Specialist Palliative Care Nursing Team if the patient resides within the Western Health and Social Care Trust. Further communication regarding the referral process and contact numbers for referrers will be issued prior to the 10th September 2023.
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15/07/2023: Stepping down of Phlebotomy Hubs in Western Trust
The Western Trust was allocated funding to provide Phlebotomy Hubs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two hubs were set up, the first was established in Gransha Park, Derry/Londonderry, in July 2020 and the second in Omagh, in February 2021.
The Trust continued with these hubs after the pandemic as it rebuilt and restored services to pre-pandemic levels. As services returned to normal and to support the rebuild of outpatients the hubs continued to deliver services for patients requiring blood samples in a timely manner to ensure continuity of treatment and for monitoring of conditions and treatments.
The hubs reduced footfall across the acute hospital sites and resulted in patients not having to attend the hospital unnecessarily.
COVID funding has now ended and the Trust is no longer able to provide the Phlebotomy services at the hub locations. This change will commence at the end of July 2023. Both phlebotomy hubs will cease and we will return to pre-Covid working.
Specifically, this means that all patients requiring these specific bloods will return to their pre-covid pathway.
All services are now working with relevant colleagues (including community colleagues) to ensure a streamlined transfer of patients back to their pre-covid pathways.
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06/07/2023: Consultation Findings Report in respect of the Temporary Suspension of Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital
Below is a letter from Chief Executive, Neil Guckian, together with the Consultation Findings Report (pdf) in respect of the Temporary Suspension of Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital for issue to Elected Representatives and Council Executive.
This report has been presented to the Western Health and Social Care Trust Board today and will also be issued to Western Trust Staff, Trade Union Representatives and Media today. It will also be live on our Western Trust channels from this evening.
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29/06/2023: Publication of NI Cancer Waiting Times Statistics: January – March 2023
Department of Health
Publication of NI Cancer Waiting Times Statistics: January – March 2023
The Department of Health today published National Statistics on cancer waiting times for the quarter ending March 2023.
This release gives details of the waiting times for patients accessing cancer services at hospitals in Northern Ireland during January, February and March 2023.
Key facts and figures are as follows:
Waiting times for first definitive treatment following a decision to treat (31 day target)
- In the quarter ending March 2023, 2,784 patients commenced their first treatment for cancer following a decision to treat being taken, 1.6% (44) fewer than in the previous quarter (2,828), and 5.5% (146) more than in the same quarter last year (2,638).
- 87.8% (2,445) of those patients started treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat, compared with 89.3% (2,524) in the previous quarter and 86.2% (2,275) in the same quarter last year.
Waiting times for first treatment following an urgent GP referral for suspect cancer (62 day target)
- In the quarter ending March 2023, 1,378 patients started treatment following an urgent GP referral for suspect cancer, 0.6% (9) fewer than in the previous quarter (1,387), and 9.5% (119) more than in the same quarter last year (1,259).
- 34.8% (479) of those patients started treatment within 62 days, compared with 36.5% (506) in the previous quarter and 41.0% (516) in the same quarter last year.
Patients first seen following an urgent referral for suspect breast cancer (14 day target)
- In the quarter ending March 2023, there were 3,637 patients seen by a breast cancer specialist following an urgent referral for suspect breast cancer, 1.2% (46) fewer than in the previous quarter (3,683), and 5.7% (220) more than in the same quarter last year (3,857).
- 84.2% (3,062) of those referrals were seen within 14 days of their urgent referral for breast cancer, compared with 77.7% (2,863) in the previous quarter and 50.8% (1,958) in the same quarter last year.
Referrals for suspect breast cancer
- In the quarter ending March 2023, there were 6,690 new referrals for suspect breast cancer, of which 64.8% (4,337) were urgent.
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29/06/2023: Ceasing the Use of Agency for Social Work Roles in Health & Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland - Update
Ceasing the Use of Agency for Social Work Roles in Health & Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland – Update
The Chief Social Worker, Aine Morrison wrote to all HSC Social Workers on 2nd November 2022, advising of plans to cease the use of agency Social Workers in all Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts by June 2023.
Since then, the 5 Trusts have worked together with the Department of Health and Trade Union colleagues to deliver on this plan and are due to meet this target on 30th June 2023. All five HSC Trusts have already ceased using Social Workers registered with an off-contract agency.
Whilst the Trust recognises the valuable contribution that agency social workers have made to services, it also recognises that effective social work services are built upon consistent, purposeful and trusting relationships between our social workers and those who use our services. The move to cease the use of agency social workers has been a significant step towards creating a more stable and sustainable social work workforce and has supported other initiatives by Trusts to improve the recruitment and retention of social workers.
Agency Social Workers who are not currently employed by the Trusts are welcome to apply for direct employment with the Trust should they wish to. HSC regularly recruit for social workers and all vacancies across HSCNI are advertised on our website at https://jobs.hscni.net
The Trust firmly believes that ceasing the use of agency social workers is the right thing to do. Our staff have told us that excessive agency use is destabilising, unfair and can negatively impact on morale. It is also the case that having stable and consistent social work teams leads to improvements in our service users’ experience.
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16/06/2023: Hospital at Night Service, South West Acute Hospital - expansion into Hospital at Day Service
Hospital at Night Service South West Acute Hospital – expansion into Hospital at Day Service
(Weekends and 10 bank holidays)
From Monday 5th June 2023, the Hospital at Night Service for South West Acute will expand to provide a Hospital at Day Service over the weekends and 10 Agenda for Change bank holidays.
The current service provide a small nursing team of Clinical Co-ordinator and 2 Health Care Assistants from 17:00 to 01:00 7 nights per week.
The expanded service will provide a service on
Saturday and Sunday 09:00 to 17:00
Bank holiday cover 09:00 to 17:00
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- Easter Monday
- Easter Tuesday
- Early May Bank Holiday
- Spring Bank Holiday
- 12th July
- Summer Bank Holiday
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
- New Year’s Day
- St Patrick’s Day.
Hospital at Night (H@N) is a multi-professional, multi-specialty approach to delivering care at night and out of hours, with the aim of improving patient safety. It involves members of medical and nursing staff coming together to form a team that manages patients across many disciplines in a hospital.
The focus of the H@N concept is to provide safer clinical care in the out of hours setting through one or more multi-professional teams who have the full range of skills and competences to meet the immediate needs of patients.
The Clinical Co-ordinator of the Hospital at Night / Hospital at Day team will work in partnership with the Senior Doctor on duty to provide clinical leadership to ensure the effective delivery of patient care within the remit of the Hospital at Night Team. They will attend the clinical handover meeting to prioritise the care and treatment of ill patients throughout the hospital, and co-ordinate all non-emergency bleep activity. The Clinical Co-ordinator will assess ill patients and determining appropriate action, and supporting ward based and departmental teams in decision making regarding appropriate action for ill patients. The Clinical Co-ordinator will manage the team of Health Care Assistants to provide clinical support to patients that require care that ward staff are unable to offer by redeploying them to respond to meet the clinical demand for skills such as IV cannulation, phlebotomy, and recording of ECG’s and other duties as deemed appropriate.
Contact details:
Clinical Co-ordinator Bleep 6140
On Call Medical F2 can be contacted via Bleep 6080.
On Call Medical Ward F2 can be contacted via Bleep 6245.
On Call Surgical SHO/F2 can be contacted via Bleep 6131.
Health Care Assistants can be contacted via Bleep 6191 for Medical Directorate and Bleep 6192 for Surgical Directorate & MSAU.
The multidisciplinary handover meeting will take place at 09:00 in the Emergency Department Seminar Room.
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13/06/2023: SWAH All Party Group meet with staff and patients at SWAH
Staff at the South West Acute Hospital were delighted to welcome the SWAH All Party Group as they took time recently to tour the hospital and meet with staff and patients.
The All Party Group, which is made up of Public Representatives from across Fermanagh and West Tyrone, were joined by Western Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian, Deputy Medical Director Professor Ronan O’Hare and Mark Gillespie Director of Planned Care Services.
The tour included visiting a wide range of wards and services at the hospital including the Emergency Department to see first-hand the high quality care and clinical expertise provided to patients from Fermanagh, West Tyrone and beyond.
The group heard how the hospital has experienced one of its busiest periods ever, with 9,153 patients being treated in the Emergency Department in the first three months of the year, over 29,000 outpatient appointments having taken place and over 540 patients being operated on at the hospital.
This was an opportunity for the group to hear directly from staff and what matters to them. Speaking with one of the Emergency Department Consultants, they were informed of the “excellent 24/7 access SWAH ED has to diagnostics. They said:
“This is the best ED I have worked in and I have no doubt it is one of the best on the island of Ireland. We have highly skilled nurses working alongside our doctors and nurses treating and caring for patients with a range of acuities.”
Another Consultant Endocrinologist explained how
“welcoming and friendly staff were to them. The atmosphere has been great for me to work in, it has helped me settle in and relocate from a different country.”
Other members of staff took the time to share their views and concerns on the negative narrative that continues publicly on the hospital.
One frontline staff member said:
“Staff feel they are getting criticised every week when they look at some of the social media sites and in particular the newspapers. They were all quick to applaud us during Covid and things are challenging but now it is horrible to constantly read so many negatives, they do not represent our staff here on the ground. They aren’t looking at what we are doing. We all have to travel for healthcare nowadays to get the best service. For example, people are very happy to travel to Belfast for many things but won’t travel for their surgery. It’s hard to see the great work we are doing and it’s not being recognised by the papers and the media reporting. We have such a committed and wonderful team. It is heart-breaking we have went from heroes to villains with this sustained negative newspaper reporting.”
The group also took time to listen to patients and met with several who had travelled from throughout Northern Ireland to the hospital, stating “they were happy to travel to SWAH to receive their surgery and treatment.”
Chief Executive Neil Guckian, who set up the All Party Group said:
“We are delighted to have had the SWAH All Party meet our incredible staff at SWAH and see for themselves the first class services that our staff provide to our patients and clients. It was also very important for our staff to have the opportunity to share their views with their public representatives.
“The All Party Group also heard about the establishment of a new South West Acute Hospital Strategic Development Group which will be formed from a range of stakeholders to look at ways of consolidating and growing the hospital into the future.
“The South West Acute Hospital is a thriving hospital and the All Party Group can help us as we work towards maximising the potential of what is a fantastic facility. We will continue to engage with the group, as with all Public Representatives, and communicate closely on our developments.”
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12/06/23: Update on the Trusts Homecare Optimisation Project
The Western Trust established the Homecare Optimisation project in 2019 as part of its Delivering Value strategic priority. The objective of the project is to optimise domiciliary care services on a Trustwide basis ensuring a safe, effective, accessible and affordable service. The project had been unavoidably delayed due to COVID although has been successfully introduced in the Enniskillen, Irvinestown and Limavady localities over the past year.
The project is predicated on generating additional service capacity within existing resources. This is achieved by consolidating service delivery arrangements within a locality based on clustered localised care teams. All independent sector domiciliary care providers with whom the Trust contracts with have formally committed to working with the Trust on this initiative. The project also includes the Trust’s in-house homecare service.
Homecare Optimisation will help to stabilise domiciliary care services and also address emerging pressures within the sector, in particular workforce planning.
The additional capacity generated by the project will allow the Trust to respond to existing demand pressures including hospital discharges, waiting lists, hard to reach areas and future growth in demand.
Some of the key performance indicators associated with the project to date include;
- 247 unmet need cases accommodated [including hospital discharges]
- 2250 Weekly Hours of unmet need accommodated within existing resources
- 1177 weekly hrs spot activity accommodated within existing block capacity
The Optimisation project will be rolled out next in the Omagh locality with a go-live date of 26 June 2023. Similar benefits to those indicated above are expected to be achieved in Omagh.
The Project Team have incorporated key learning from previous localities to help ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place ahead of the implementation.
In rolling out the service changes there will be adjustments to many service user’s care arrangements. The Project Team working in partnership with Social Work colleagues will liaise closely with affected individuals and homecare providers to ensure that any disruption is appropriately addressed. It is important to note that service users will not have a reduction in services.
The Trust’s Homecare Optimisation Project Team will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new and improved service arrangements.
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12/06/23: Adult Safeguarding Alert: Incidents in the Trust area (Omagh) and regionally
ADULT SAFEGUARDING ALERT
The Western Health & Social Care Trust is aware of incidents in the Trust area (Omagh) and regionally where an individual who is forbidden by the Catholic Church from presenting himself as a priest has done so to vulnerable older people in their own homes.
It is alleged that this individual has financially abused these people and matters are currently being investigated by the PSNI.
The Trust is working with the PSNI and the Catholic Church to safeguard individuals known to and currently in our services.
We would ask that you make contact with the PSNI (on 101 or 999) or the Trust’s Adult Protection Gateway Team if you have any concerns about any adult being abused in any setting in our communities. Tel: 02871 611366
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Wednesday 14th June, 1-2pm: Invite to WHSCT Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Campus open day
The Western Health and Social Care Trust, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, are delighted to invite you to our Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Campus open day. The day is aimed at NW Cancer Centre staff, Trust staff and community and voluntary organisations and will take place on Wednesday 14th June 2023.
Due to COVID safety measures numbers are limited so we are having a session specifically for elected representatives 1.00 – 2.00pm.
This is a celebration to showcase our beautiful campus and the services we provide.
Colleagues from North West Cancer Centre and some community and voluntary sector partners will also be in attendance to highlight the services they provide throughout the Western Trust area for people with cancer and their families.
A light lunch will be provided.
We have limited space in our premises. To help us manage numbers please RSVP to confirm your attendance by emailing:
HWB.Campus@westerntrust.hscni.net and including your:
Name:
Role:
Dietary or other special requirements:
We ask that you do a lateral flow test before attending and do not attend if you have symptoms of COVID 19 or have been a close contact of anyone who has tested positive for COVID in the last 10 days.
We look forward to welcoming you to Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Campus.
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07/06/23: Western Trust Statement response to public mis-information quote
Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Medical Director Dr Brendan Lavery said: “The Western Trust would like to reassure the public and allay any undue fears and anxiety that may have arisen from a Tweet on an alleged death of a patient whilst being transferred from South West Acute Hospital to Altnagelvin for surgical input.
“It is very important to emphasise that this information is untrue. Such misinformation published publicly is dangerous and misleading for our patients, staff and the public.
“I therefore wish to re-iterate that no patients have died in an ambulance while being transferred to Altnagelvin Hospital since the temporary change to Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital was announced.
“As part of ongoing governance within the Trust all significant incidents are recorded and reviewed. To date, there is no evidence that the temporary change to the pathways at South West Acute Hospital has negatively impacted on patient clinical outcomes.”
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26/05/23: Statement Re: Racecourse Medical Centre
The Western Health and Social Care Trust will be the new temporary contractor for Racecourse Medical Centre in Derry/Londonderry.
The Trust is stepping in to provide an interim solution following the unexpected withdrawal of the GP contractor who was awarded the contract earlier this month.
The new contract takes effect from 1st June 2023.
Patients at the practice do not need to register with another practice. They should continue to contact the practice as normal and will receive a letter in the coming days advising of their new GP arrangements.
There are approximately 4,800* patients registered with Racecourse Medical Centre.
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25/05/2023: Department of Health - My Waiting Times NI
Department of Health – My Waiting Times NI
Patients in Northern Ireland can now use a new online system to check how long they are likely to wait for a specialist hospital appointment – My Waiting Times NI
The initiative has been developed to improve and centralise the information already publicly available to patients.
In this first phase, patients can find out the average waiting times for a first outpatients hospital appointment across the different clinical specialties in each Health and Social Care Trust area.
The webpage, known as My Waiting Times NI, will be expanded over time to also provide the latest waiting time information for procedures, treatment and diagnostics.
A Department of Health spokesperson said:
“Northern Ireland’s waiting lists are a result of years of sustained pressure with demand for care and treatment outstripping hospital capacity.
“Additional funding has been made available in recent years to support a range of waiting list initiatives and we were beginning to see some stabilisation of the situation. However the current budget deficit means that this additional investment will be at a lower level this year. Regrettably, this will have an impact on waiting times.
“We are acutely aware of the consequences of waiting times for patients and their families. We also recognise the additional frustration when people do not have easily accessible information on how long they will have to wait. This new webpage should provide some clarity to patients, their families and carers.
“GPs and other primary care teams, such as dentists and pharmacists, will also have access to the information which should help them have more informed conversations with their patients.
Western Trust Waiting Times will be listed here: Western HSC Trust – Outpatient – DOH/HSCNI Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) – formerly HSCB
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22/05/2023: Department details 2023/24 Budget measures
The Department of Health has today set out the measures being implemented following the Secretary of State’s announcement of the 2023/24 Budget.
The plans are detailed in an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) which has been published for public consultation.
The Department is projecting a funding gap of some £732 million for this financial year.
In a letter today to party health spokespersons, Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May said:
“I wish to emphasise that, like all other Departments, we are in an impossible position of being asked to fulfil conflicting responsibilities. This involves trying to balance our responsibilities to live within the budget we have been given, act in the public interest and safeguard services. Decisions are required that we do not wish to take and that are not in the best interests of the health and social care system.”
The £732 million shortfall includes estimated pay pressures of £375 million, including the costs of fully implementing the English pay offer for Agenda for Change Staff.
Funding this pay offer under the current budget settlement would require large scale cuts on an unprecedented scale, with severe and lasting implications for health and social care services.
In his letter to party representatives, Mr May stated:
“Given the legislative basis supported by guidance from the Secretary of State, I have concluded that taking such a decision would be outwith my authority as Permanent Secretary.
“This means that, as things currently stand, it will not be possible to offer a pay award. I am very aware of the potential impact this could have on staff and on industrial relations.”
The Department had already made public plans for savings and efficiencies across the system totaling £260 million, which will reduce the funding gap to around £470m. While some impact from these measures is inevitable, measures up to this value may be achievable without long-term or irrevocable damage to services.
Given the scale of the budget shortfall, an additional £100m in savings is now planned.
The Department’s priority is to mitigate where possible both immediate impact on frontline services and long-term irreversible consequences for the health and care system.
Cost saving measures are not currently being proposed for domiciliary care packages, nursing and residential care placements, or reduction in expenditure on community aids and adaptations for clients living in their own homes.
The £100m in savings includes £55m additional savings for Trusts and a £34.6m reduction in Waiting List Initiative funding. The Department will still invest £61.4m in Waiting List Initiative funding this year to help protect provision for patients requiring red flag and other time critical assessments and treatments. Intensive efforts will be made to mitigate the impact of the reduced funding level. The ongoing drive to increase core health service activity should result in more assessments and treatments being provided in-house. A reduction in cancellations and Did Not Attend cases will support this goal. Importantly, Waiting List Initiative funding will continue at last year’s level initially, with the main impact of the reduction to be felt in the latter part of 2023/24. This will allow more time for the mitigation measures to make a difference.
The £100m savings also involve reductions in the Core Grant Scheme for community and voluntary groups; ceasing the COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance Programme; and ending Covid-related support funding for dental services.
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05/05/2023: Update on South West Acute Hospital ICU
A Spokesperson for the Western Trust said:
“Works are already underway at South West Acute Hospital’s ICU to fix the damage caused by a water leak which occurred on 3 May 2023.
“As part of Trust contingency arrangements and to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff, the ICU has temporarily relocated within the Theatre Department. ICU is fully staffed and functional in its temporary location.
“It is hoped works will be completed in the coming days.”
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04/05/2023: Update on South West Acute Hospital ICU
A Spokesperson for the Western Trust said:
“There was a water leak from a burst pipe above an area of the South West Acute Hospital’s ICU yesterday morning (3 May 2023). Significant resources were deployed to address the incident and some patients were moved as part of the arrangements to assess the risk and manage it appropriately. Unfortunately the water damage to part of the ceiling left it unstable and further damage occurred late in the evening of 3 May 2023.
“No patients or staff were harmed in the incident.
“We are currently awaiting a specialist assessment and carrying out risk assessments with the contractor Mitie. The Trust will continue with appropriate contingency arrangements, and we will provide a further update of any potential service impact in due course.”
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03/05/2023: New contractor appointed for Maple Healthcare GP Practice in Lisnaskea
From DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Department of Health can confirm that a contractor has been appointed to provide GP services to the patients of Maple Healthcare Practice in Lisnaskea and Bernaghmore Medical Practice, Ballymena, with effect from 1 May 2023.
The new contractor is a subsidiary company of the FSU GP Practice Management CIC (Federation Support Unit).
It follows extensive work to identify a new GP contractor to take over both the practices, following the termination of the contract by the previous contractors.
All 14,109 patients of Maple Healthcare Practice and 3,807 patients of Bernaghmore Medical Practice have been automatically registered with the new practice.
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April 2023
24/04/2023: Dr Elizabeth Brady will now take up clinical responsibility for Adult Learning Disability Services
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) would like to thank outgoing Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Ryan McHugh who has worked in Adult Learning Disability Services, for his dedication and commitment to patient care across the Trust area, including his work at Lakeview Hospital and we wish him well in his future ventures.
Dr Elizabeth Brady will now take up clinical responsibility for Adult Learning Disability Services. Dr Brady has been in a clinical and senior leadership role within the Western Trust area for 11 years ensuring patients receive the highest standard quality of care.
24/04/2023: Professor Ronan O’Hare appointed to Deputy Medical Director for the Western Trust
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Ronan O’Hare to Deputy Medical Director for the Western Trust.
Professor O’Hare has been with the Western Trust for over 12 years, both in his clinical and senior leadership roles. He will continue to be based at South West Acute and Omagh Hospitals, but will also have responsibility for the entire Trust area.
Congratulating Professor O’Hare on his new appointment, Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian said: “I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Professor Ronan O’Hare on his new appointment. As Deputy Medical Director Professor O’Hare will provide strong professional leadership not just locally in SWAH and Omagh Hospitals but also across the entire Trust remit.
“Ronan will support the development and delivery of first class services across the Trust, ensuring our patients receive the highest standards of quality care.”
24/04/2023: Fire at Rossdowney House impacts health and social care clients
“A fire was discovered overnight at Rossdowney House, Glendermott Road. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, alongside the PSNI attended the incident which is believed to have been started deliberately.
“Melrose Day Centre which is interconnected to Rossdowney House has been severely impacted by this deliberate fire. Melrose Day Centre delivers vital Adult Mental Health Day Care Services to 40 service users. The impact of this fire has resulted in 21 service users not being able to attend the Day Centre today (24 April 2023). These vulnerable service users rely on coming to our Day Centre for support from staff and to engage with other service users and take part in therapeutic activities.
“Staff are currently keeping in contact with service users today and we are assessing the impact over the coming week. The art therapy room used by our clients has been completely destroyed which will have an impact on what we can deliver to our service users over the coming weeks. This will be devastating for our service users as all their beautiful art work has been destroyed.
“A number of Women and Children’s Services supporting families and young people have also had to be cancelled due to the damage caused to the premises.”
“This is the second deliberate fire to have occurred at health and social care facilities in Londonderry in recent weeks.
“The Trust would appreciate the public’s cooperation with the police appeal for information in relation to this incident.”
PSNI Official Statement on Rossdowney Road – Arson Appeal:
Police in Derry/Londonderry are appealing for witnesses and information in relation to a fire at a building in the Waterside.
Police were alerted to the blaze on Rossdowney Road at around 1.20am today, Monday 24th April. NIFRS were also at the scene and had extinguished the fire. At this time the fire is being treated as deliberate, and investigated as an arson.
Anyone with information, or who was travelling in the area between 1am and 1.15am and has dash cam is asked to check their footage. The number to call with information is 101, reference number 65 of 24/04/23. You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
17/04/2023 DoH Update: Appointment of five Health and Social Care Trust Non-Executive Chairs
The Department of Health has announced the appointment of five Health and Social Care Trust Non-Executive Chairs.
The Chairs will play key leadership roles at a time of considerable challenge and opportunity for the health service in Northern Ireland.
Mr Ciaran Mulgrew has been appointed as Chair of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT). Mrs Michele Larmour has been appointed as Chair of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Trust (NIAST). Both appointments commenced on 6 April 2023 and will end on a date not later than 5 April 2027.
Mr Jonathan Patton has been appointed as Chair of South-Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT). His appointment commenced on 15 April 2023 and will end on a date not later than 14 April 2027. Since March 2020, Mr Patton has been carrying out the role of Acting Chair of the Trust.
Ms Anne O’Reilly will be appointed as Chair of Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) with effect from 20 April 2023 to a date not later than 19 April 2027 and Dr Thomas Frawley will be appointed as Chair of Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) with effect from 1 May 2023 to a date not later than 30 April 2027.
Permanent Secretary Peter May said:
“Health and Social Care Trusts deliver a wide range of essential public services to people across Northern Ireland and the Chair has a particular leadership role to champion and oversee the work of the Board.
“The Department is committed to developing constructive and effective partnerships with all our Arm’s Length Bodies. There are many challenges ahead, not least as we move to rebuild services and manage public expectations and confidence following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also in developing a new Integrated Care System for Northern Ireland. I can assure Chairs they will be supported by the Department as together we seek to respond to the many challenges, not least as we move to rebuild services and manage public expectations and confidence following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also in developing a new Integrated Care System for Northern Ireland. This is all in the context of an extremely constrained budgets. Trust Chairs are a critical part of the HSC system leadership which will respond to, navigate and address these challenges.
“I would like to congratulate the newly appointed Chairs and to thank them for taking on these very important roles. Their skills, experience and dedication to public service will prove invaluable in the years ahead. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Chairs for their valuable contribution. Their tenure has coincided with the most challenging of times for Health and Social Care and the Department is grateful for their commitment to the Trusts and to the community they served during those unprecedented times.”
For the full press release, please click HERE.
06/04/2023: Western Trust Buys Land for New Lisnaskea Health and Care Centre
The Western Trust is pleased to confirm it has purchased a circa 5 acre parcel of land on the former Lisnaskea High School site for the construction of the new Lisnaskea Health and Care Centre.
The new facility will be 4,000 m2 (approx.) with car parking spaces and will accommodate G.P., Trust Community and Older People’s Day Care services with all patient and client services located on the ground floor.
The purpose-built accommodation will provide improved accessibility, service delivery and increased multi-disciplinary working within South East Fermanagh. It will also address current spatial issues and enable increased provision of services in Lisnaskea such as Podiatry, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Mental Health Services and Older People’s Services.
In conjunction with this acquisition, the Western Trust continues to progress detailed design work, planning and statutory approvals and preparation for tender. It is currently anticipated that the construction works will commence in January/February 2024, with the new facility projected to open in early 2026.
Western Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian said:
“This is an important milestone in a key development for the staff and community of South East Fermanagh. It represents another step towards providing services in a modern setting, designed with the essential input of local staff who deliver care and are focused on meeting the needs of their patients and clients.”
06/04/2023: Update on Neonatal Services at South West Acute Hospital
We are delighted to provide you with an update/changes to Neonatal Services at the South West Acute Hospital.
As you will be aware, the Trust reduced the gestational age from 36 to 35 weeks in mid-September 2022. We have continued to review our activity and the outcomes of those mothers/babies that have been transferred out. Alongside this, we have continued to recruit to our nursing posts and are now in a stable position. We are pleased to advise that there has been approval given to reduce the threshold of delivery in South West Acute Hospital to 34 weeks, as was our practice prior to our staffing challenges.
We are able to repatriate babies back to SWAH at an earlier gestational age, if they require special care only and do not require further neonatal eye screening. However, we are working hard to secure a neonatal eye screening service in SWAH .
This change is with immediate effect.
06/04/2023: International Medical Recruitment Programme
Presented verbally to Cuban Embassy & Council: 05.04.23
Background
In order to attract medical professionals to the Western Health and Social care Trust (WHSCT) to help deal with staffing pressures, a bespoke International Medical Recruitment (IMR) Project was established in 2015.
The WHSCT use a Regional and a Local Global Recruitment Framework for Medical Recruitment. These Frameworks have been established through robust procurement processes to ensure public money is used appropriately.
Through this IMR project, the Trust has been successful in attracting and retaining a growing pool of highly skilled and experienced doctors from across the world to support the development and sustainability of a wide range of specialist services within the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).
At the 31st March 2023, 209 doctors have taken up post through the project within the WHSCT.
- 86 of these doctors have taken up post in the South West Acute Hospital.
- 22 of these Doctors are currently still in post. 3 are on a permanent basis.
- 35 doctors have started (to date) since 1st April 2022 (9 of these doctors commenced employment in SWAH)
- 17 doctors are currently progressing in the recruitment process (7 of these are for posts in SWAH).
The project works hard to continue to attract CVs from all over the world and co-ordinate interviews. There are a further 6 doctors planned to arrive in South West Acute Hospital before the end of June 2023.
Recruitment and GMC requirements
The agency the Trust works with will assess CVs for their experience and qualifications. The most important check is that that they have GMC registration with a licence to practice in the UK. If they do not have GMC registration with a licence to practice in the UK, then the agency will advise them on how they can gain their GMC registration and the likely timelines for this process.
The main ways for most international doctors to prove their professional skills in order to get their GMC registration are:
- Passing the PLAB test (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board)
- There are two parts to complete. Part 1 is a written multiple-choice exam. It is available in several countries and the UK, so doctors can usually sit in their home country.
- Part 2 is a clinical exam. It is held at the GMC assessment centres in either Manchester or London. The process for completing both parts can take up to 9 months.
- An acceptable postgraduate qualification
- Candidates need to possess one of a certain number of approved postgraduate qualifications relevant to their speciality, for example, MRCP, MRCPI, MRCEM, MCPCH, FRCA, FRCR, etc.
- Only original/notarised qualifications and training certificates are accepted and verified on ENIC (previously NARIC) and GMC. Checks confirm the transferability of qualifications and experience and eligibility for international staff to practise in the UK.
- An acceptable overseas registration exam (recently approved since 12th January 2021)
- International doctors must have passed one of the following overseas registration exams: United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), Medical Council of Canada Qualification Examination 2 (taken in English), MCCQE or Australian Medical Council Clinical Examination (AMC).
English Language
Candidates must complete either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam or the OET (Occupational English Test) to demonstrate their English language skills are required to work in Northern Ireland. They must score 7.5 overall, with no less than 7.0 in each IELTS module (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking); results take ten working days.
For OET, they need to score ‘B’ in all four modules, with results taking take three weeks. Alternatively, if they have been working as a Doctor for a minimum of 2 years in a country where English is the first and native language, they may prove their English with an Employer’s reference.
The final part of GMC registration requires Drs to complete an identity check.
The link below outlines acceptable UK and overseas qualifications for GMC registration
Acceptable postgraduate qualifications – GMC (gmc-uk.org)
The agency will have constant contact with the candidate and provide information on what to expect with working in the UK and information on specific job roles.
No candidate is registered and sent to WHSCT unless all pre-screening components have been completed and the candidate meets all standards, specification and legislation. These checks would include:
- Identity Check
- Right to Work Check
- Professional Registration and Qualification Check
- Employment History and Reference Check
- Criminal Record and Barring Check
- Work Health Assessment Check
- English Language Competency Check
Certificate of Sponsorship
As a licensed sponsor the WHSCT need to sponsor any overseas worker we wish to employ if they are not a ‘settled worker’ or do not otherwise have the appropriate immigration permission to work in the UK. We must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker via the Skilled Worker route so they can make a successful immigration application. Before assigning a CoS we must:
- check the role is eligible
- ensure we will pay the worker appropriately
- check the worker is eligible
- meet any other route-specific requirements
Throughout an International Doctor’s employment we are responsible for checking that the sponsored workers carry out the role for which they are being sponsored and for monitoring their attendance. We must Inform UKVI if they do not turn up for work, are absent without permission, or there are significant changes to their employment.
The overall process can take 3-9 months for each candidate, from the initial phase to placement. Based on various factors from the notice period, the new job’s start date, GMC and VISA timescales, availability of schools and accommodation.
Induction, Progress & Development
As a Trust we have a responsibility to ensure our International recruits who come from across the world to work in the WHSCT, which can be quite challenging in itself, have adequate support from HR, Service Manager’s and Clinicians to enable to as smooth of a transition to working within the WHSCT as possible. We offer an induction and professional support which is crucial when integrating staff into the WHSCT and setting out what is expected in a clear and consistent way to help the settling-in process. Effective mentoring, professional support and a supportive learning environment enable staff to be as productive as possible in their new roles.
The WHSCT has a supported integration programme. The relevant Clinical Lead is asked to complete this for each doctor recruited through the International Medical Recruitment Project, starting no later than one month after commencement. This progress and development process provides an opportunity to identify, as early as possible, any support required or any development or educational needs identified and ensure that appropriate measures and supports are put in place.
Additional Supports
In addition we also, were possible; assist our International Recruits by providing on site hospital accommodation for both them and their families for up to 12 weeks after arrival, to allow them time to explore the local property market and secure a long term rental properties. This can be challenging, as previously outlined to council.
The agency also have a representative available in the first few days and weeks after arrival to provide pastoral support, in the form of local orientation and assistance with collection of BRP’s, and help in making and getting to appointments such as registering which GP’s and schools.
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March 2023
30/03/2023: Industrial Action Friday 31st March 2023
Industrial Action will take place on Friday 31 March (00.01 to 23:59hrs) for UNISON members. It will also take place on Monday 3 April for UNISON and NIPSA members (00.01 to 23:59hrs) and Royal College of Midwives members (8am to 12pm). During these times there will be disruption to some Trust services.
The Western Trust is in the process of making direct contact with patients and services users impacted on these dates. It is important to note that if you have a pre-booked appointment you should attend unless we contact you to say that it has been cancelled.
Impact on Friday 31 March
Homecare Services
It is anticipated that there will be significant disruption to Homecare service provision, particularly in the Strabane and Derry areas. The Trust will endeavour to minimise the impact to care, however it is envisaged that a normal level of service will not be maintained. If you or a family member is in receipt of Homecare, please consider alternative arrangements and support available to you. Homecare services delivered by our contracted providers are not expected to be affected.
Should an issue arise please call the local Homecare office on the following numbers: Northern Sector (Derry, Limavady, Dungiven) – (028) 7186 4385; Fermanagh (028) 6634 2414 or Strabane Castlederg and Omagh (028) 8283 5911.
The Homecare service will operate as normal on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April
Hospital appointment and procedures
A number of Outpatient appointments have been postponed and a small number of planned procedures have also been postponed across our three hospital sites.
Day Centres and Day Opportunities
The following Learning Disability Day Centres and Opportunities will be closed on Friday 31 March: Evergreen Day Centre, Willow Group, Roe Leap, Garden Project, Fresh Focus, Omagh Centre, Lackaghboy 1, Lackaghboy 2 and EPC, Lisnaskea.
The Drumcoo Centre for Physical and Sensory Disability will also be closed on 31 March.
Laboratory Services | South West Acute Hospital
Laboratory services will also be limited at the South West Acute Hospital. The Trust’s labs will be operating a bank holiday service arrangement with capacity only for urgent samples. Our GP colleagues have been informed.
Bloods / Sample collection (Northern Sector)
Our Transport Team will collect urgent bloods samples only. Our GP colleagues have been informed.
Cleaning, Porters, Catering & Laundry Services
There will be a reduction in a number of Support Services. These services will be limited and prioritised based on supporting patient/client and staff safety. Business continuity planning arrangements are in place at each ward/department.
The Trust continues to work with Trades Union colleagues to protect our critical services and to try and minimise the impact of industrial action on our patients and service users.
For more information visit – https://westerntrust.hscni.net/industrial-action-march-april-2023/
29/03/2023: South West Acute Hospital remains an Acute Hospital with a Type 1 ED (Dept of Health)
Official statement from the Department of Health:
“The suspension of emergency general surgery from South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) does not change its Type 1 ED status or the acute status of the hospital.
“The definition of a Type 1 Emergency Department is ‘A consultant-led service with designated accommodation for the reception of emergency care patients, providing both emergency medicine and emergency surgical services 24 hours a day.’
“No hospital in Northern Ireland provide all types of emergency surgical services and the definition does not require this. Even the larger hospitals with very busy EDs do not provide everything.
“In line with the definition, emergency general surgery is not a pre-requisite. What is required is emergency surgical services. The temporary (as currently the case in SWAH) or permanent (as proposed for Daisy Hill Hospital) suspension of emergency general surgery is not a removal of emergency surgery and those changes will therefore not impact on the type of ED which it is.
“This is not a new policy position. It reflects existing policy.”
Update on Temporary Change to Emergency General Surgery at SWAH
The sustainability and continuing safe operation of the General Surgery Service in the South West Acute Hospital was identified as a key risk for the Trust since October 2021. That risk has been centred on the Trust’s ability to have a sufficient number of general surgeons, who can provide the required standard and continuity of care for our patients. This risk was highlighted again by our clinical teams as part of the Minister’s Regional Review of General Surgery. That review in itself highlighted additional risks with the SWAH General Surgery Service.
In October 2022 the Trust experienced a number of critical staffing changes, which meant that the 24/7 rota for Emergency General Surgery at SWAH could not be sustained after 18th December 2022. This resulted in an unplanned and temporary change to Emergency General Surgery services at the South West Acute Hospital from 5th December 2022.
The main priority for the Trust is to provide a safe, sustainable and effective Emergency General Surgery service for patients in the Western Trust area ensuring safe services and the best outcomes for all patients.
The Trust opened a public consultation on 17 January 2023 which will run for 12 weeks with the main objective to establish if an alternative viable means of delivering the service can be identified.
Official Information on Emergency General Surgery and Updates can be found here:
- Emergency General Surgery – South West Acute Hospital
- Visit our Fact Checker page to answer questions you may have about Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital
29/03/2023: Public Consultation on the Temporary Suspension of Emergency General Surgery at SWAH
The Trust has engaged with the public in consultation on the temporary withdrawal of Emergency General Surgery in South West Acute Hospital.
Full details and information in respect of the Public Consultation have been shared in public and this can be found on the link below:
- The information on all the public consultation events is currently being updated on the public website
- South West Acute Hospital – Emergency General Surgery Consultation
To date, seven public facing consultation events were hosted across the 7 District Electoral Areas in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Area. Two online Virtual Consultation events have also taken place. The events were setup to accommodate just over 4000 people. A total of 632 people engaged with the Trust at these events. To date the Trust have also received over 50 responses to the Consultation Questionnaire.
In addition the Trust have held three Staff Consultation Events and there has been ongoing Staff Engagement sessions for staff and staff-side reps since November 2022.
The Consultation period will close on Monday 10 April 2023.
Emergency General Surgery, SWAH: Patient Pathways – Data Analysis
To monitor the changes in flow of patients, the Trust and SPPG agreed a reporting process, using information provided by the Trust’s Information Team. This coding protocol was developed to track internal transfers of Emergency General Surgery patients from SWAH to Altnagelvin, and additional information provided by the SPPG Information Department.
It is important to note that Surgical Assessment Units (SAA) opened in Altnagelvin on 5 Dec 22 and SWAH on 12 Dec 22 with Altnagelvin SAA having 12 attendances from SWAH between 5 Dec 22 – 28 Feb 23 and SWAH SAA had 82 attendances from 12 Dec 22 – 28 Feb 23.
Summary
In planning for the change, we estimated based on regional dashboard information, that approximately five patients per day could be affected by the temporary suspension of Emergency General Surgery at SWAH. The figures to date would indicate that 203 patients were admitted to Altnagelvin with a surgical presentation between 5 Dec 22 – 28 Feb 23, who may have previously been admitted to a surgical ward at SWAH. This equates to 2.4 patients per day.
Staff Recruitment Update
The Trust completed a recent recruitment campaign for four full time Consultant General Surgeons, who, while based in Altnagelvin, will be required to work at hospitals across the Trust. This will provide further opportunity to reach across the Trust as we move to maximise capacity and capability at Omagh DPC and SWAH Overnight Elective Stay Centre.
Interviews have taken place, however the recruitment process is not yet complete.
Patient/Staff Wellbeing
The Trust has developed a plan to promote Care Opinion to gather qualitative data on patient experience. A link has been requested and set up with Care Opinion specifically for the emergency surgical services in SWAH. This will be shared on our social media channels and our website through our communications team.
Governance
Since the bypass protocol was implemented there have been no issues that affected either patient safety or clinical outcome.
29/03/2023: Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC)
The Trust had a successful test of concept for the EOSC on the 8/9 March 2023. Professor Mark Taylor, Consultant General Surgeon, visited the Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC) in South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) to undertake regional EOSC General Surgery lists and provide Consultant cover overnight to ensure patient safety and timely discharge.
A further 4 EOSC lists over 2 dates have been scheduled for a WHSCT Consultant Surgeon (30 March & 6 April respectively)
The rebuild plan highlights that the Trust, by June 2023, will get back to fully utilising our 10 commissioned inpatient sessions – 5 for Gynae and 5 for Surgery.
29/03/2023: Update Information in respect of ‘The Golden Hour’
The term Golden Hour was first used by Dr Adams Crowley a surgeon in Baltimore in 1975 in respect to trauma care. He stated that “the first hour after injury will largely determine a critically injured person’s chance of survival”.
This was in the context of no organised trauma care, medicine in the 1970’s and no effective prehospital care as was typical of the time.
It is reasonable to state that this concept is outdated and is effectively a historical opinion that has become embedded in the public consciousness. There have been multiple studies carried out across the world which have failed to find any significant survival advantage for trauma patients with shorter pre-hospital rescue times.
Trauma care has changed beyond recognition in the past decade initially across England, Scotland and Wales and more recently across Northern Ireland and ROI. Patients are now preferentially taken to the most appropriate hospital first for trauma care. Of note across GB, no patient with major trauma would be taken to a hospital which did not have Orthopaedic surgeons on site.
The Northern Ireland Trauma Network set up a trauma triage tool which helps paramedics take more patients to the RVH which is the trauma centre and bypasses multiple other hospitals.
Effectively Antrim, Ulster and Craigavon hospitals are bypassed in the majority of cases of significant trauma and the patient is taken to the RVH as the main trauma centre.
Altnagelvin sees approximately one third of the numbers of patients with significant trauma that attend the RVH trauma centre.
The RVH has also initiated a call and send model – this allows for a patient who fulfils major trauma criteria to be rapidly transferred from any ED to the RVH for ongoing management.
Due to all of the above changes deaths have decreased and lives have been saved.
All of this also ties in with the HEMS service which provides medical input at scene by both helicopter and land based vehicles. There is no application historically or otherwise for any other healthcare problems where the term “Golden Hour” can be used.
Specifically there is no relationship of any kind for Emergency General Surgery.
In respect of the question about stroke treatment: There is a necessity for a patient to attend hospital as early as possible to allow a CT scan of the brain to be carried out and treatment decided within 3 hours.
All patients who have heart attacks are now transported to either Altnagelvin or the RVH for emergency angioplasty. This is the case everywhere across Northern Ireland. Again there is good evidence that deaths have decreased in Cardiology and patients have much better outcomes.
29/03/2023: Update on Services at South West Acute Hospital, including Obstetrics and Gynaecology (including Maternity) and Diagnostic Radiology
The Western Trust, and the Department of Health, are fully committed to the sustainability and the future of Obstetric and Gynaecology Services, including all Maternity services, at the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen.
South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) is funded for 6 whole-time equivalent Consultant Obstetricians. Six Consultants are currently on the rota and the rota remains stable. This includes four Substantive Consultants and two locum consultants. It currently includes locum consultant cover due to sickness absence and cover for a Consultant who left to take up a post elsewhere. This would be a standard process for any service.
Recruitment has been ongoing and this includes recruitment for two substantive Consultant posts in addition to Specialty Doctors in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The two Consultant Posts were last advertised with a closing date of 13 January 23 (no applicants) and have now been re-advertised. This now includes advertising in International medical journals.
In addition to these normal recruitment procedures, including the international medical recruitment programme, the Trust is also promoting via all our Social Media channels as part of an overall campaign.
It is also important to provide some context again that the Health Service as a whole, throughout the UK and ROI, continues to experience ongoing challenges and pressures which has been seen in all Acute Hospitals in Northern Ireland. As a smaller rural Hospital, South West Acute Hospital has been and will continue to face workforce challenges.
Regarding Diagnostic Radiology, two posts were advertised in November 2022 with a closing date 23 December (no applicants). This is also being re-advertised. The Trust have also appointed two Radiology Consultants through International Recruitment. One commences contract at end of March 2023 with the second appointment commencing at end of June 2023. Another Radiologist has now also been appointed on 14 February 2023.
29/03/2023: Update on Rheumatology Service at SWAH
Rheumatology Service at SWAH
The rheumatology Service has been temporarily moved to Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex as the Locum Consultant who had previously been in post in South West Acute Hospital left the Trust in October 2022. The Trust attempted to fill the locum vacancy but were unsuccessful in same. We are now actively embarking on the recruitment of a permanent Western Trust Consultant Rheumatologist.
The Trust would like to emphasise, this decision is in NO way related to the temporary removal of emergency general surgery at SWAH.
Why have Rheumatology patients not been informed of this move?
Each patient has not been advised of this temporary change to service provision as this was a temporary change dependent on availability of consultant cover, Rheumatology service provision to SWAH patients continued through an interim outreach model, however located on the Omagh Hospital Site.
It is ongoing Trust practice to align service demand to consultant capacity to equalise and manage the length of time waiting for a first Outpatient appointment across the WHSCT area – however we continue to promote the principles of care “closer to home” so it is not uncommon for patients to be asked to travel for an Outpatient appointment which is deemed reasonable in accordance with the Integrated Elective Access protocols.
How many patients does the Rheumatology Clinic at SWAH currently have?
In February 2023 there were 402 patients from SWAH awaiting a new Outpatient appointment. Staff in the Northern Sector of the Trust have been facilitating outreach clinics on the Omagh Hospital site to mitigate the impact on patients in the Southern Sector of the Trust.
29/03/2023: Update Briefing on Supported Living Review and Stepdown of Avoca Lodge
Western Health and Social Care Trust Engagement on the future model of supported living provision, Stepdown of Avoca Lodge, Gransha Park Site
As part of the reform and modernisation of Adult Mental Health Supported Living services, the Western Trust implemented a staff engagement exercise as part of the review of supported living. This included providing information and questions and answers in respect of the repurposing of Avoca Lodge. Following these staff engagements, the Trust approved to proceed with further engagement exercises with staff, service users and families to determine if a wider public consultation is required.
The initial planned meeting in November 2022 with the Trust Consultation Group was stood down due to ongoing industrial Action. A meeting with Trade Unions was then convened on 12 January 2023 and the engagement commenced for 4 weeks, which closed on 9 February 2023.
Following this period of engagement, and taking on board all feedback from staff, service users and families, the Western Trust have now approved to proceed with the stepping down of Avoca Lodge as the change is not deemed to be major or controversial. This will now involve relocating the service users to other suitable facilities nearby and deploying staff to other Supported Living facilities in the Trust.
Our service user’s health and well-being is our priority and we will continue to support and engage with them and our staff throughout the transition.
The Trust senior team have been communicating with the Trade Unions and meeting with staff, all service users (together with Service User Consultant) and families on Thursday 23 February 2023 to discuss the outcome of this proposal to stepdown Avoca Lodge.
As part of the reform and modernisation of supported living, it is anticipated the future service model will present opportunities to further develop and upskill our current workforce.
The review of supported living is ongoing and information and the final report will be provided when available. Planning in respect of the Avoca Lodge premises, as part of this review of supported living, is also ongoing.
Background
Adult Mental Health (AMH) in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) in collaboration with contracted housing providers and NIHE Supporting People operates a supported living service. The service was developed to facilitate the closure of the long stay psychiatric inpatient wards in the 1980’s and 1990’s. The service enables individuals with significant mental illness to maintain a home address outside of the hospital environment and to live independently in the community. Each individual has a personalised support plan to help them maintain their tenancy and their mental and physical well-being. The individual lives as a tenant within a supported environment with access to 24/7 support.
Given the limited development in the service model since its inception and changes and challenges across wider mental health service delivery, Adult Mental Health (AMH) services in the Trust area are undertaking a review of supported living provision.
What our review has found to date:
- There is an increased level of complexity amongst service users being referred to Supported Living;
- Increased vacancies in contracted Supported Living and an increase in high cost placements;
- Higher numbers of medically fit patients who are having their discharge delayed from mental health inpatient facilities;
- Increased staffing challenges and use of bank/agency staff to help service users with complex needs.
AMH services are working to develop a future model of supported living provision that addresses the highlighted challenges and ensures that thresholds for accessing supported living are more inclusive and address not only low intensity needs but also clients that require more intensive support, rectifying the current gap in service provision.
Avoca Lodge
Avoca Lodge opened in 1996 and is an Adult Mental Health Supported Living facility based on the Gransha site. It is a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) and has the capacity for ten tenants comprising of ten bedrooms. The tenants share bathrooms, toilets, kitchen/dining and social/living space. It is currently home for seven tenants all of whom, secondary to enduring mental illness are assessed as requiring a high level of support to maintain community living and have an individual care and support plans to meet their assessed need. Whilst offering an excellent level of support and care to its current tenant group, the building design and amenities fall short of modern standards. Over the past four years a further 8 tenancies have been offered to individuals with varying levels of need, however for multiple reasons, including levels of complexity, these have not been sustained within Avoca Lodge. Avoca’s 10 spaces represents 3.3% of the total capacity of Adult Mental Health Supported Living places available. There are currently 12 long term tenancies within contracted supported living facilities across the Trust, 9 of these are within Derry City within 5km from the Gransha site (Dunvale House, Clondermott and Ballyoan).
Stepping Down of Avoca Lodge
As a result of the findings the Trust commenced an Engagement exercise on 12 January 2023, proposing that Avoca Lodge is stepped down and the tenants, supported by their current key worker, care team and family move to another local facility that will continue to meet their support and care needs. In this proposal Service users would be supported by their care teams to make decisions regarding their future home based on their assessed need and available places. The tenants would remain under the care off their current Community Mental Health Team key worker and Consultant Psychiatrist.
All Supported Living and nursing home facilities are monitored by Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) and as such there would be no deterioration in the level of support and care that each tenant will receive. There would also be no staff posts lost as a result of any proposals.
The current supported living model consists of a high number of low intensity support beds which are not all being utilised and does not meet the needs of those clients who require more intensive support.
The overarching aim of the proposal is to develop a service that can meet the gap in service provision for those individuals with mental illness, who have higher levels of complexity, in their own communities.
As part of the initial engagement, all affected staff, service users and their families, as well as Trade Unions have been briefed on the proposals and participated in feedback exercises.
Following enquiries and discussions with some MLAs, the Trust senior team have also now set up further engagement sessions with all service users and their families at the beginning of April 2023. This will be to talk through the communications process, answer any concerns and questions raised and provide assurances.
The Trust continue to look at the overall planning in respect of the reform and modernisation of Adult Mental Health Supported Living services and will communicate to MLA/MPs in respect of this in the weeks ahead.
29/03/2023: Western Trust statement in respect Maternity Services and Industrial Action planned for Monday 3 April 2023
A Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) spokesperson said:
“Industrial Action will take place on Monday 3rd April between 8am and 12pm for members of the Royal College of Midwives. The Western Trust is anticipating disruption to both hospital and community maternity services. We are currently working with our trade union colleagues to maintain safe maternity care for all women and babies during this time.”
The spokesperson added:
“All births will be facilitated in the hospital in which they have been booked, as per Trust and regional policy. Inductions will be carried out as medically required. All scheduled caesarean sections and antenatal clinics in our hospitals and community facilities during planned industrial action will be rescheduled.
“We are currently in the process of making direct contact with women who will be impacted by the strike on Monday.
Planned dates for Industrial Action:
Friday 31st March 2023 - UNISON members | Commencing at 00:01 to 23:59hrs (24 hours)
Monday 3rd April 2023 - NIPSA members | Commencing at 00:01 to 23:59hrs (24 hours)
- UNISON members | Commencing at 00:01 to 23:59hrs (24 hours)
- Royal College of Midwives | Commencing at 8am to 12pm (4 hours)
Further updates will follow on the Public Representative’s Online hub.
22/03/2023: Ceasing the use of Agency Nursing/Midwives employed by Off-Framework Recruitment Agencies in Health and Social Care Organisations in Northern Ireland
Dear colleagues,
The former Health Minister, Robin Swann, outlined plans to reduce expenditure on recruitment agency use in a written statement dated 13 October 2022 (see link) doh-131022-wms.pdf (health-ni.gov.uk).
The Chief Nursing Officer, Maria McIlgorm, has also emphasised the importance of reducing agency spend and supporting, developing and retaining a sustainable workforce that is proud to work in the HSCNI.
The Trust recognises and appreciates the contributions of agency Nurses/Midwives and Health Care Workers in delivering safe, effective and compassionate care to our patients and clients. However, the cost of using recruitment agencies and in particular, off-framework agencies is significant and not sustainable.
The primary aim and direction going forward for all HSC Organisations is to increase stability by maximising our own HSC workforce. Where this is not feasible, the use of agency workers will only be permitted if the agency has been placed on the new HSC Agency Workers; Nursing and Healthcare Support Framework. This revised Framework is being finalised and will come into operation shortly. It is recognised that there will be a need for a short phased transitional period to embed the new arrangements. Further details of the new Framework will be circulated when it is finalised by the Business Services Organisation (BSO). In light of the planned changes in the use of agency workers, detailed guidance will be issued in due course.
It is important to note that as part of the revised approach, the Trust will NOT be permitted to use off-Framework agencies.
Further information about how these new arrangements may impact managers, staff working for the Trust through an off-Framework agency and agency workers working for the Trust is being finalised.
Reducing agency spend is the right thing to do, and not just for cost reasons, but we are endeavouring to improve the Health Service. Our staff have told us that excessive agency use is unfair and can impact on morale.
Building up our own workforce is the best way to support better teamworking to ensure safe and effective care and is vital in order to rebuild our health and social care services across Northern Ireland, and so we are committed to working in Partnership to improve and upgrade the use of Bank working, in the first instance in Nursing.
We deeply appreciate the commitment of our substantive workforce and we are determined to fill our vacancies, stabilise our teams and work in partnership with Trade Unions to strengthen and ensure the benefits of working in HSC are promoted and understood by the entire health workforce.
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February 2023
28/02/2023: South West Acute Hospital remains an Acute Hospital with a Type 1 Emergency Department
New All-Party Group for SWAH welcomes new Emergency Medicine Consultant to SWAH ED…
Western Health and Social Care Trust Chief Executive, Neil Guckian, has launched an all-party group for South West Acute Hospital as part of an overall campaign to promote our fantastic hospital as a Great Place To Work. In addition, the group will engage regularly to look at ideas to help develop services as well as recruit, retain and build our workforce.
Trust Senior Leaders on the group include Chief Executive, Neil Guckian; Medical Director, Brendan Lavery; Director of Planned Care, Mark Gillespie and Associate Medical Director, Professor Ronan O’Hare. At the latest meeting in SWAH, along with representatives from the five main political parties, Trust Senior Leaders also welcomed the latest appointment as a Consultant in Emergency Medicine to SWAH Emergency Department, Dr Stephen McKenzie.
Dr McKenzie, a former student at St Michael’s Primary School and then St. Michael’s College, Enniskillen, commented:
“I am delighted to take up my first Consultant post here at South West Acute Hospital, having qualified from Queen’s University and trained throughout Northern Ireland in the foundation programme and then the specialty training programme in Emergency Medicine.
“I have always wanted to work in emergency medicine and it is great to come back to work here in Fermanagh, where I live with my wife and two children, to this wonderful hospital. I worked here before as a foundation trainee, and was very aware that the facilities and high-tech equipment in SWAH is second to none. This is a really great place to work – the Emergency Department team are amazing and there are exceptional medical, nursing, AHP and support staff here.”
Dr Ian Crawford, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Clinical Lead for Unscheduled Care, joined the group where it was re-iterated that South West Acute Hospital remains an Acute hospital with a Type 1 Emergency Department.
This has been further emphasised in an official statement from the Department of Health, as follows:
“The suspension of emergency general surgery from South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) does not change its Type 1 ED status or the acute status of the hospital.
“The definition of a Type 1 Emergency Department is ‘A consultant-led service with designated accommodation for the reception of emergency care patients, providing both emergency medicine and emergency surgical services 24 hours a day.’
“No hospital in Northern Ireland provide all types of emergency surgical services and the definition does not require this. Even the larger hospitals with very busy EDs do not provide everything.
“In line with the definition, emergency general surgery is not a pre-requisite. What is required is emergency surgical services. The temporary (as currently the case in SWAH) or permanent (as proposed for Daisy Hill Hospital) suspension of emergency general surgery is not a removal of emergency surgery and those changes will therefore not impact on the type of ED which it is.
“This is not a new policy position. It reflects existing policy.”
23/02/2023: CAMHS Support plan
The Western Trust are aware of a very serious incident which occurred at Youth Sport Omagh last night, where a number of members of our community were present. The Trust are working closely with the Education Authority which has been supporting school children affected by this incident. The following links provides helpful advice to parents/carers and adults in the aftermath of such incidents. The link also gives information about additional support on offer if required.
- CLICK HERE for CAMHS Support Plan
- CLICK HERE for NHS Trauma Leaflet
- CLICK HERE for ‘Supporting Children and Young People after major trauma’
23/02/2023: Update on Supported Living Review and Stepdown of Avoca Lodge
As part of the reform and modernisation of Adult Mental Health Supported Living services, following a four week period of engagement with staff, service users and families, the Western Trust is proceeding with the stepping down of Avoca Lodge. This will involve relocating service users to other facilities which meet their needs and deploying staff to other Supported Living facilities.
Our service user’s health and well-being is our priority and we will continue to support and engage with them, their families and our staff throughout the transition.
The Trust senior team have been engaging with the Trade Unions and meeting with staff, all service users (together with Service User Consultant/Advocate) and families on Thursday 23 February 2023 to discuss the outcome of this proposal to stepdown Avoca Lodge.
The review of supported living is ongoing and information and the final report will be provided when available. Planning in respect of the Avoca Lodge premises, as part of this review of supported living, is also ongoing.
For further information, please see click here to view PDF.
17/02/2023: Continued significant investment in SWAH Diagnostic Infrastructure
As part of continued significant investment in South West Acute Hospital’s diagnostic infrastructure, a new MRI scanner will be installed in the Radiology Department at the hospital in the coming weeks. The replacement of the MRI Scanner is the next stage of equipment upgrade for South West Acute Hospital totalling over £1.7M in investment. This includes the recent instalment of a new CT scanner and Digital Radiography Rooms. A new Mobile Image Intensifier for SWAH Theatres is also due to be delivered in the coming months.
In order to provide continuity of service for patients during the replacement of the MRI scanner, rental of a mobile MRI unit has been secured. Works to install the mobile MRI will commence in the coming days, with delivery of the mobile MRI Scanner confirmed for mid-February.
Tracey McIvor, Radiology Services Manager for the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) said:
“We are delighted that essential diagnostic radiology equipment at the SWAH is being updated which includes a new MRI Scanner installation over the next few weeks.
“The South West Acute Hospital provides a local MRI service for patients from Fermanagh and Tyrone, and also delivers the Trust wide Cardiac MRI scanning service. Replacement of the MRI Scanner in SWAH is essential to continue to provide a high quality, safe and efficient diagnostic service for Western Trust patients.
“All recently replaced equipment was installed 10 years ago. Thanks to advances in technology, new equipment for CT and MRI scanning will reduce scanning times and enhance diagnostic capabilities.
“We look forward to continuing to provide the very best quality of care to the Fermanagh and Tyrone communities we serve.”
17/02/2023: Update information in respect of ‘The Golden Hour’
Dr Brendan Lavery, Medical Director
The term Golden Hour was first used by Dr Adams Crowley a surgeon in Baltimore in 1975 in respect to trauma care.
He stated that “the first hour after injury will largely determine a critically injured person’s chance of survival”.
This was in the context of no organised trauma care, medicine in the 1970’s and no effective prehospital care as was typical of the time.
It is reasonable to state that this concept is outdated and is effectively a historical opinion that has become embedded in the public consciousness.
There have been multiple studies carried out across the world which have failed to find any significant survival advantage for trauma patients with shorter pre-hospital rescue times.
Trauma care has changed beyond recognition in the past decade initially across England, Scotland and Wales and more recently across Northern Ireland and ROI.
Patients are now preferentially taken to the most appropriate hospital first for trauma care.
Of note across GB, no patient with major trauma would be taken to a hospital which did not have Orthopaedic surgeons on site.
The Northern Ireland Trauma Network set up a trauma triage tool which helps paramedics take more patients to the RVH which is the trauma centre and bypasses multiple other hospitals.
Effectively Antrim, Ulster and Craigavon hospitals are bypassed in the majority of cases of significant trauma and the patient is taken to the RVH as the main trauma centre.
Altnagelvin sees approximately one third of the numbers of patients with significant trauma that attend the RVH trauma centre.
The RVH has also initiated a call and send model – this allows for a patient who fulfils major trauma criteria to be rapidly transferred from any ED to the RVH for ongoing management.
Due to all of the above changes deaths have decreased and lives have been saved.
All of this also ties in with the HEMS service which provides medical input at scene by both helicopter and land based vehicles.
There is no application historically or otherwise for any other healthcare problems where the term “Golden Hour” can be used.
Specifically there is no relationship of any kind for Emergency General Surgery.
In respect of the question about stroke treatment: There is a necessity for a patient to attend hospital as early as possible to allow a CT scan of the brain to be carried out and treatment decided within 3 hours.
All patients who have heart attacks are now transported to either Altnagelvin or the RVH for emergency angioplasty. This is the case everywhere across Northern Ireland.
Again there is good evidence that deaths have decreased in Cardiology and patients have much better outcomes.
17/02/2023: Response from the Department of Health in respect of ED Type 1 status.
Definitions and a list of all EDs in Northern Ireland is available in Annex 2 (page 29-30) of the DoH published Emergency Waiting Time Statistics:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/hs-niwts-ecwt-q3-22-23.pdf
Type 1 Department: A consultant-led service with designated accommodation for the reception of emergency care patients, providing both emergency medicine and emergency surgical services 24 hours a day.
Type 2 Department: A consultant-led service with designated accommodation for the reception of emergency care patients, but which does not provide both emergency medicine and emergency surgical services and/or has time-limited opening hours.
Type 3 Department: A minor injury unit with designated accommodation for the reception of patients with a minor injury and/or illness. It may be a doctor or nurse-led. A defining characteristic of this service is that it treats at least minor injuries and/or illnesses and can be routinely accessed without an appointment.
Removal of general emergency surgery from SWAH does not change its Type 1 ED status.
17/02/2023: Update on services in South West Acute Hospital including Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Diagnostic Radiology
The Western Trust, and the Department of Health, are fully committed to the sustainability and the future of Obstetric and Gynaecology Services, including all Maternity services, at the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen.
South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) is funded for 6 whole-time equivalent Consultant Obstetricians. Six Consultants are currently on the rota and the rota remains stable. This currently includes locum consultant cover due to sickness absence and cover for a Consultant who left to take up a post elsewhere. This would be a standard process for any service.
Recruitment has been ongoing and this includes recruitment for two substantive Consultant posts in addition to Specialty Doctors in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The two Consultant Posts were last advertised with a closing date of 13 January 23 (no applicants) and have now been re-advertised. This now includes advertising in International medical journals. Through International Medical Recruitment, interviews are scheduled for Obstetrics and Gynaecology in SWAH at end of February 2023.
In addition to these normal recruitment procedures, including the international medical recruitment programme, the Trust is also promoting via all our Social Media channels as part of an overall campaign.
It is also important to provide some context again that the Health Service as a whole, throughout the UK and ROI, continues to experience ongoing challenges and pressures which has been seen in all Acute Hospitals in Northern Ireland. As a smaller rural Hospital, South West Acute Hospital has been and will continue to face workforce challenges.
As stated, there is an ongoing recruitment process in place for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in addition to other services, and the Western Trust will continue to focus on highlighting a very positive message regarding our wonderful staff and our state-of-the-art facilities.
Pre the Covid pandemic, we have featured our healthcare heroes in the West with our #WTHeroes campaign and this now resumes and will again be given special attention at our Western Trust Staff Awards on 9 March 2023.
However, we must point out that it has also already been emphasised in recent months how the very obvious negative public narrative, regardless of where it is emanating from, is impacting this fantastic Hospital.
The Trust are therefore asking our partners and the public to work with us in helping to promote SWAH as a great place to work and this area as a great place to live.
In respect of the point raised regarding Diagnostic Radiology, two posts were advertised in November 2022 with a closing date 23 December (no applicants). This is also being re-advertised. The Trust have also appointed two Radiology Consultants through International Recruitment. One commences contract at end of March 2023 with the second appointment commencing at end of June 2023. Another Radiologist has now also been appointed on 14 February 2023.
15/02/2023: Continued significant investment in SWAH Diagnostic Infrastructure
As part of continued significant investment in South West Acute Hospital’s diagnostic infrastructure, a new MRI scanner will be installed in the Radiology Department at the hospital in the coming weeks. The replacement of the MRI Scanner is the next stage of equipment upgrade for South West Acute Hospital totalling over £1.7M in investment. This includes the recent instalment of a new CT scanner and Digital Radiography Rooms. A new Mobile Image Intensifier for SWAH Theatres is also due to be delivered in the coming months.
In order to provide continuity of service for patients during the replacement of the MRI scanner, rental of a mobile MRI unit has been secured. Works to install the mobile MRI will commence in the coming days, with delivery of the mobile MRI Scanner confirmed for mid-February.
Tracey McIvor, Radiology Services Manager for the Western Trust said:
“We are delighted that essential diagnostic radiology equipment at the SWAH is being updated which includes a new MRI Scanner installation over the next few weeks.
“The South West Acute Hospital provides a local MRI service for patients from Fermanagh and Tyrone, and also delivers the Trust wide Cardiac MRI scanning service. Replacement of the MRI Scanner in SWAH is essential to continue to provide a high quality, safe and efficient diagnostic service for Western Trust patients.
“All recently replaced equipment was installed 10 years ago. Thanks to advances in technology, new equipment for CT and MRI scanning will reduce scanning times and enhance diagnostic capabilities.
“We look forward to continuing to provide the very best quality of care to the Fermanagh and Tyrone communities we serve.”
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January 2023
31/01/2023: Department of Health – Department calls for respectful debate
Department calls for respectful debate
The Department of Health would ask for respectful public debate on the future of health and social care services.
Communities rightly value local services very highly and are fully entitled to strongly advocate for their retention.
However, vigorous debate should not spill over into personal abuse and vilification. Likewise, questioning the honesty or motivations of public officials is not acceptable.
It is a reality of modern medicine that every hospital in Northern Ireland cannot provide every hospital service.
This has been set out in detail in relation to general surgery by the Northern Ireland wide review published by the Department last June – www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/review-offers-new-future-general-surgery-services
Some medical specialties require larger catchment areas and a certain level of patient numbers. This facilitates greater specialisation by clinicians, better recruitment and retention of staff, and more durable and safer care.
Securing the optimum distribution of hospital services – the right care, in the right place, at the right time – is an extremely difficult and challenging task.
24/01/2023: Ticket access to Public Consultation Events on Temporary Suspension of Emergency General Surgery Services at SWAH
We have a limited number of seats available at our public consultation events for those who are unable to access tickets online via Eventbrite. You can reserve a seat by ringing the booking line on: 07775226923 and stating your Name, Telephone number and which event you would like to attend.
The booking line will be open during the following times:
- Wednesday 25th January, 9am -5pm
- Thursday 26th January, 9am – 5pm
- Friday 27th January, 9am – 4.30pm
For full details and information on all Consultation Events: South West Acute Hospital – Emergency General Surgery Consultation
23/01/2023: Update on Public Consultation for Temporary suspension of Emergency General Surgery Services at South West Acute Hospital
The Western Trust has announced a significant consultation process with nine events planned in the weeks ahead. With seven public facing engagements spread across the geography of Fermanagh and West Tyrone and an additional two online consultation events, this should help cater for anyone in our population who may use any of our services at South West Acute Hospital and who wishes to contribute in person to this consultation process.
The Trust has worked with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council colleagues in the planning for these events and to ensure everyone in the area gets the opportunity to have their voices heard, the Trust are offering a public event in each of the seven FODC ‘District Electoral Areas’. In addition, we will also be hosting 2 online sessions for anyone who is unable to attend the 7 face to face events, providing the opportunity to attend either a daytime or evening online engagement. This significant series of consultation engagements can cater for a potential attendance of over 4000 people.
It has been very important to note that access to public facing events must be by ticket only to ensure public safety and the online registration at Eventbrite has been now been simplified for ease of use. The Western Trust has worked with colleagues in FODC to review venue capacity and ensure that we manage attendance at each event according to that capacity. For those who may find it difficult to register online, the Trust will hold some manual tickets for residents and further information will be provided on this in the coming days on how to access these.
In addition to the list of Consultation events there is also an online questionnaire which is available for the public to complete and inform the Trust of their views and to feedback on the consultation documents.
We will continue to keep the matter under review as the Consultation events progress.
Again, here is a reminder of the list of Consultation events and how to register. All information is advertised in the media and will feature on the Trust’s social media channels. Any further updates to information will be available on the Trust’s official Consultation page at: South West Acute Hospital – Emergency General Surgery Consultation
Register for each specific event at the following link or in the table below: www.westerntrust.hscni.net/SWAH-EGSConsultation
South West Acute Hospital Emergency General Surgery Public Session Events
Ticket only Public Session EventsDistrict Electoral Area Venue Date and Time Eventbrite Link (Registration) Enniskillen Fermanagh Lakeland Forum 30/01/23
6:30pm - 8:30pmRegister Here Erne East Castle Park Leisure Centre 31/01/23
6:30pm - 8:30pmRegister Here West Tyrone Ecclesville Centre 01/02/23
6:30pm - 8:30pmRegister Here Erne North Bawnacre Centre 02/02/23
6:30pm - 8:30pmRegister Here Erne West Belcoo Community Centre 07/02/23
6:30pm - 8:30pmRegister Here Mid Tyrone Owenkillew Centre 08/02/23
6:30pm - 8:30pmRegister Here Omagh Omagh Leisure Complex 09/02/23
6:30pm - 8:30pmRegister Here Online Event 1 Online 08/03/2023
1:00pm - 3:00pmRegister Here Online Event 2 Online 13/03/2023
7:00pm - 9:00pmRegister Here
23/01/2023: Update on Old Derg Valley hospital site/building in Castlederg
The outcome of the recently commissioned independent estates survey on the current condition of the Old Derg Valley hospital site/building facility, to help inform decision making, has confirmed that demolition of the former Castlederg Hospital building is essential to manage the site risks, including protecting current services i.e. NI Ambulance Service and Education. This has been discussed with the Department of Health as site owner, and I can now confirm that the Trust has secured approval to proceed to demolish this building. Our Estates Team have erected hoarding around this building and a further intrusive assessment of the roof structure is underway. The Trust is working with the Department of Health on a funding solution for the demolition works but anticipate proceeding with works in the coming weeks.
Neil Guckian
Chief Executive
17/01/2023: Public Consultation on the Temporary Change to Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is launching a 12 week public consultation on the temporary change to Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen from week commencing 16 January 2023.
The Trust is seeking staff and the public’s views on the temporary suspension of Emergency General Surgery at SWAH and will be facilitating seven face-to-face public engagements across the Fermanagh and Omagh Council area. Two virtual meetings will also be facilitated, as well as engagement sessions for staff.
The consultation will close in April 2023 and the outcome of the consultation will be considered at a Trust Board meeting in the Summer 2023.
It is important to note engagement events will be ticket only. One ticket will be allocated per person and ticket duplication must be avoided to comply with health and safety regulations. To register to attend any of the events please log onto the Western Trust website at: www.westerntrust.hscni.net/SWAH-EGSConsultation
Speaking about the consultation, Western Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian said: “I accept this will be a concerning time for the local population. I want to reassure people that our priority is to provide a safe, sustainable and effective Emergency General Surgery service for patients in the Western Trust area, ensuring safe services and the best outcomes for all patients.
“The main objective of this consultation is to see if an alternative viable means of delivering Emergency General Surgery at SWAH can be identified. We would encourage the public and our staff to respond to our consultation which is available on the Trust’s website www.westerntrust.hscni.net or by contacting our Health Improvement Equality and Involvement office on T: (028) 71 865127.
Mr Guckian continued: “A hybrid approach of both online and face to face engagement will be taken to enable an inclusive and well-managed approach to consultation events where there is likely to be a high level of public interest.”
Details of engagement events will be advertised locally in the press and via the Trust website and social media sites.
Ticket only Public Session Events:
Register for each specific event here: www.westerntrust.hscni.net/SWAH-EGSConsultation
District Electoral Area Venue Date and Times Enniskillen Fermanagh Lakeland Forum 30 January 6.30 – 8.30pm Erne East Castle Park Leisure Centre 31 January 6.30 – 8.30pm West Tyrone Ecclesville Centre 01 February 6.30 – 8.30pm Erne North Bawnacre Centre 02 February 6.30 – 8.30pm Erne West Belcoo Community Centre 07 February 6.30 – 8.30pm Mid Tyrone Owenkillew Centre 08 February 6.30 – 8.30pm Omagh Omagh Leisure Complex 09 February 6.30 – 8.30pm -
December 2022
19/12/2022: Important Information regarding local health and care services – Tuesday 20 December
Strike Action will take place on Tuesday 20 December by RCN trade union members. Given the reduction in staffing levels anticipated, the Western Trust has regrettably taken the decision to cancel some non-emergency services.
Impact is as follows:
- 515 outpatients new, review and urgent outpatient appointments have been postponed across Altnagelvin Hospital, Omagh Primary Care and Treatment Centre and South West Acute Hospital. Where possible new appointments have already been allocated or will be allocated shortly via letter.
- 37 planned inpatient and day case procedures have been cancelled across Altnagelvin Hospital, Omagh Primary Care and Treatment Centre and South West Acute Hospital.
- 11 Trust managed GP Practice treatment rooms will be closed.
- 27 Women and Children’s services hospital and community based appointments postponded.
- 96 Mental Health and Disability services community based appointments postponed.
The Trust has made contact with patients and service users that are directly affected by tomorrow’s industrial action. If you have not been contacted please assume your care will proceed as planned. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The Trust continues to work with Trades Unions and will provide further information updates on our website or social media channels for more information.
15/12/2022: Western Trust Statement: Industrial Action – Thursday 15th December
Important Information regarding local health and care services – Thursday 15 December.
Strike Action will take place on Thursday 15 December by RCN trade union members. Given the reduction in staffing levels anticipated, the Western Trust has regrettably taken the decision to cancel some non-emergency services.
Impact is as follows:
- 587 outpatients new, review and urgent outpatient appointments have been postponed across Altnagelvin Hospital, Omagh Primary Care and Treatment Centre and South West Acute Hospital. Where possible new appointments have already been allocated or will be allocated shortly via letter.
- 8 planned inpatient and day case procedures have been cancelled across Altnagelvin Hospital, Omagh Primary Care and Treatment Centre and South West Acute Hospital.
- 11 Trust managed GP Practice treatment rooms will be closed.
- A reduced service is anticipated for Community nursing services including rapid response nursing, district nursing, community respiratory nursing and continence services.
The Trust is currently in the process of making contact with patients and service users that are directly affected by tomorrow’s industrial action. If you have not been contacted please assume your care will proceed as planned. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The Trust continues to work with Trades Unions and will provide a further information updates on our website www.westerntrust.hscni.net or social media channels for more information.
12/12/2022: Engagement and Pre-Consultation on the future model of supported living provision
Engagement and Pre-Consultation on the future model of supported living provision
Background: Adult Mental Health (AMH) in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) in collaboration with contracted housing providers and NIHE Supporting People operates a supported living service. The service was developed to facilitate the closure of the long stay psychiatric inpatient wards in the 1980’s and 1990’s. The service enables individuals with significant mental illness to maintain a home address outside of the hospital environment and to live independently in the community. Each individual has a personalised support plan to help them maintain their tenancy and their mental and physical well-being. The individual lives as a tenant within a supported environment with access to 24/7 support.
Given the limited development in the service model since its inception and changes and challenges across wider mental health service delivery, Adult Mental Health (AMH) services in the Trust area are undertaking a review of supported living provision.
What our review has found to date:
- There is an increased level of complexity amongst service users being referred to Supported Living;
- Increased vacancies in contracted Supported Living and an increase in high cost placements;
- Higher numbers of medically fit patients who are having their discharge delayed from mental health inpatient facilities;
- Increased staffing challenges and use of bank/agency staff to help service users with complex needs.
AMH services are keen to develop a future model of supported living provision that addresses the highlighted challenges and ensures that thresholds for accessing supported living are more inclusive and address not only low intensity needs but also clients that require more intensive support, rectifying the current gap in service provision.
All Supported Living facilities are monitored by Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) and NIHE Supporting People and as such there would be no deterioration in the level of support and care that each tenant will receive. There would also be no staff posts lost as a result of any proposals.
The current supported living model consists of a high number of low intensity support beds which are not all being utilised. There is a need to rationalise current provision to adapt the model to meet the needs of clients with higher levels of complexity and to develop a Community Support & Rehabilitation Team in line with the recommendations of the Mental Health Strategy. The overarching aim of the proposal is to develop a service that can
support individuals with mental illness, who have higher levels of complexity in their own communities, and deliver this support and rehabilitation within a continuum of supported housing provision.As part of the initial pre-engagement and staff consultation, all affected staff, service users and their families, as well as Trade Unions will be briefed on the proposals and are encouraged to participate in the consultation.
This initial plan of a four week consultation period with Staff is paused due to the current Industrial action process. Any service change proposal that effect staff must be signed off for consultation by Staff side representatives. This is a Trust requirement and an internal Trust process. As part of this process staff will meet with HR, Staff side representatives and AMH management. The staff side meetings have been stood down secondary to industrial action. The paper cannot be shared with staff until after it is signed off.
As part of the initial pre-engagement, the project lead will have meetings with the relatives and tenants of the Avoca tenants to discuss the potential impact of the proposals. All relatives have been contacted by letter with discussions also having taken place with a number of relatives. The project lead has also advised family and tenants that he is happy to meet with them at any time. Communication with staff via the facility manager has also taken place and staff have been informed that the initial pre-engagement/staff consultation has been stood down until the conclusion of the industrial action.
Following the pre-engagement and staff consultation the project team will give consideration to wider public consultation on any proposed changes.
12/12/2022: Joint statement from the Chief Executives of Northern Ireland’s Health Trusts
Our Health and Social Care System is facing a prolonged period of industrial action.
Inevitably there will be an impact on services. However, we have contingency plans in place and are working closely with the Trade Unions to protect our critical services and to mitigate disruption, as far as possible.
Our staff are not just the back bone of health and care services, they are our colleagues and friends. Working in the Health and Social and Care System is a way of life. The HSC is a family because of the incredible work that takes place on a daily basis, often including additional service over and above normal duties. We obviously want to see all staff properly rewarded for their work. They have been impacted heavily by cost of living increases and escalating pressures on Health and Social Care services. We must also never forget what they did for us all during the pandemic.
HSC leaders issued a joint statement three years ago, when health and social care workers in Northern Ireland were taking industrial action.
Its central plea remains just as relevant today and we repeat it now:
‘We are all aware that the Health and Social Care System in Northern Ireland requires a long-term funding settlement that addresses service, workforce and pay pressures in a sustainable manner. We have been struggling with a system where funding has been made available on a yearly basis, which makes it impossible to plan for the long term. Demand is increasing and will continue to do so, meaning that the current system is simply unsustainable.’
10/12/2022: Statement by Trust Chief Executives
As members of this community as well as health and social care service leaders, we are deeply distressed at the ongoing situation in our hospitals.
Although strenuous efforts are being made to alleviate the pressures, we have a serious capacity deficit which means too many people are waiting too long for care. Much of the impact of this is falling on frail and ill older people and on the staff caring for them.
Pressures on services are expected to intensify further after Christmas and into the early months of 2023.
The case for long-term investment and reform to effectively build capacity has been well made. Right now, however, we have to use whatever levers are available to us to reduce delays and prioritise patient safety.
HSC Trusts have been working intensively with Departmental colleagues on our ongoing response. It has been agreed that the following initiatives will be introduced across the system:
* Patients will leave hospital no later than 48 hours after confirmation they are medically fit for discharge and where a suitable placement which can meet their needs is available. There will be no cost to the patient or their family for this alternative interim placement and it will not impact on their place on any waiting list for their longer term option. Trusts and Care Homes will work closely together to make best use of any and all available capacity. This will include new shared arrangements for pre-admission assessment for care homes seven days a week.
* A maximum limit of three hours for ambulance handover will apply at all EDs. There is agreement in principle to further reduce this limit over the coming months, subject to review. In the interim, for ambulances waiting up to three hours for handover, it is agreed to maintain the focus on immediate release of ambulance crews to respond to immediately life threatening Category 1 calls.
* Maximum use will be made of available space in wards and throughout hospitals, to improve patient flow out of overcrowded Emergency Departments. This will also include, where appropriate, use of chairs rather than beds for patients medically fit to leave hospitals.
These are not steps that we ever wanted or indeed imagined having to introduce. They are not designed as a long-term solution, but as actions to reduce the risk to patients waiting in unacceptable circumstances in ambulances and EDs.
What we absolutely require is a long-term funding settlement and a health and care system which properly reflects demographic trends and is capable of meeting rising levels of demand.
In the meantime, we cannot passively accept the status quo, with all that it means for patient care and safety.
09/12/2022: Western Trust Statement: Industrial Action – Monday 12th December
Industrial Action will take place on Monday 12 December for NIPSA, UNISON and GMB trade union members. This will have impact on the provision of some hospital and community health and social care services across the Western Trust area.
Impact is as follows:
- 625 new, routine and review outpatient appointments have been postponed across Altnagelvin Hospital, Omagh Primary Care and Treatment Centre and South West Acute Hospital. Where possible new appointments have already been allocated or will be allocated shortly via letter.
- 47 inpatient and daycase procedures postponded across our hospitals.
- The following Older People’s Day Centres will be closed:
- Dromore Day Centre(outreach service)
- Foyleville Day Centre.
- The following Learning Disability Day Centres will be closed:
- Omagh Centre
- Glenside Day Centre
- Oaktree Day Centre
- Valley Day Centre.
- The following adult mental health day centres will be affected:
- Melrose Day Centre (closed between 8 am and 12 noon)
- Arden Day Centre (closed between 8 am and 12 noon)
- Creggan Day Centre (closed all day).
- Drumcoo Physical and Sensory Disability Day Centre will be closed.
- We are aware that some service users in receipt of homecare may not receive their scheduled morning call, between the hours of 8am and 12 noon, if it is delivered by the Western Trust. We are asking for the help of family members and carers to assist us during these times by checking in with their relatives / neighbours that receive homecare services. Should an issue arise please call the local Home Care office on the following numbers: Northern Sector (Derry, Limavady, Dungiven) – (028) 7186 4385; Fermanagh (028) 6634 2414 or Strabane Castlederg and Omagh (028) 8283 5911. Homecare delivered by our contracted providers are not expected to be affected.
- There will be limited catering facilities. Patient and client meals will be prioritised but this may include lighter options. Coffee shops in our hospitals will be closed. It is planned that restaurants will remain open but with a reduced service.
- There may be delays in answering calls by our hospital and health centre switchboards. It is advised to only call if your query or request is essential. Our hospital helpdesks may also operate a reduced service.
We are currently in the process of making direct contact with our patients and service users, who will be impacted by the strike action. If you have not been contacted please assume that your care will proceed as planned. We sincerely regret this disruption and would ask for cooperation and patience at this challenging time.
The Trust continues to work with Trades Unions and will provide a further information updates on our website www.westerntrust.hscni.net or social media channels for more information.
08/12/2022: Update Industrial Action
Strike Action will take place on Monday 12th December for NIPSA, UNISON and GMB trade union members and Thursday 15th and Tuesday 20th December for RCN trade union members. We expect that there will be significant disruption to our hospital and community services across the Western Trust area on these days.
As ever our main priority is to ensure and maintain patient safety. Given the reduction in staffing levels expected across most disciplines on the strike action dates, our efforts will be focused on providing emergency services for patients in our hospitals and those at highest risk within our communities.
The Trust is currently developing its contingency plans and we will make direct contact with our patients and service users impacted by the strike action.
The Trust also continues to work with Trades Unions.
06/12/2022: Public Information Guide re: Temporary Change to Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital
Please find below a PDF of the Western Trust Public Information Guide in respect of the Temporary Change to Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital which is being issued publicly this week and which will also be advertised in the local newspapers for Fermanagh and West Tyrone.
Copies are also being printed for distribution.
The central online page for Public Information is available on our Website here:
02/12/2022: Fact Check on Temporary Change to Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital
- Fact Check with updated information in respect of temporary change to Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital
- Click Here for Fact Check PDF
- Online link (on Western Trust Website) to updated information regarding Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital for the Public. This will be updated and shared in the weeks ahead as part of the Trust’s public information communications campaign
01/12/2022: Industrial Action Statement
The Western Trust has been informed about the planned industrial action dates for December 2022. The Trust is currently developing its contingency plans for these dates in order to minimise disruption.
We will keep the public informed via our website and social media channels.
Unison – Monday 5 December (Action Short of Strike) and Monday 12 December (Strike Action Day )
NIPSA – From Monday 5 December (Indefinite Action Short of Strike)
RCN – Thursday 15 December and Tuesday 20 December (Strike Action Days)
Update will follow at the MLA/MP Briefing on 16 December 2022
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November 2022
17/11/2022: Presentation – Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital
The Western Trust updated Presentation to Public Representatives regarding the Temporary suspension of Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen.
17/11/2022: Western Trust Statement – Temporary Suspension of Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen
Temporary Suspension of Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen
The Western Trust today (Thursday 17 November 2022), at a special Trust Board meeting, addressed the challenging position regarding Emergency (unplanned) general surgery at South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen in light of a further resignation within the general surgery team.
In addition, Trust Board also discussed plans being developed with the Department of Health to expand non-emergency planned surgery at the hospital.
Speaking after the meeting, Geraldine McKay, Director of Acute Services at the Western Trust, said:
“I spoke publicly last month on the fragility of Emergency general surgery at SWAH. At our Trust Board meeting today, we updated Trust Board members on the current position and in particular a further resignation received from another consultant in the general surgery team. This now means that we will not be in a position to provide an emergency (unplanned) general surgical rota from 18 December 2022.
“Despite our previous and ongoing efforts to recruit, we have not been successful to date in securing the necessary consultant workforce. The Trust is therefore now unable to maintain the required workforce to sustain and deliver a safe emergency (unplanned) general surgical service to our population from SWAH.
“Put simply, we cannot provide an emergency general surgery service without a consultant surgical team in place to provide the required 24/7 cover.
“We can confirm that our Trust Board approved today to a recommendation for an unplanned temporary suspension of Emergency General Surgery at the SWAH, Enniskillen. This is necessary to protect public health/safety.
“The current rota for emergency general surgery will be maintained up until 4 December 2022. Planned elective surgery at the hospital will continue.
“There will be no change to the Emergency Department (Type 1) at South West Acute Hospital which will continue to operate as usual on a 24/7 basis. There will be minimal to no impact on the other existing services at SWAH.
“We have developed and will implement alternative clinical patient pathways to mitigate risk and protect the safety of people needing to avail of emergency general surgery services after the current rota ends and are focused on minimising the impact of this temporary arrangement on the hospital’s acute services. We will communicate the clinical patient pathways in the coming days.
“We are liaising with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust on the new arrangements.”
Commenting on longer term plans, Western Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian said:
“We need to fully utilise all of our theatre capacity across South West Acute Hospital to undertake more elective procedures, and we are delighted to work with the Department to develop SWAH as an overnight elective surgery centre to benefit the growing numbers of patients on our waiting lists.
“I would like to pay tribute to our surgical teams for their continued commitment despite these mounting pressures and thank staff at South West Acute Hospital for their flexibility in supporting these temporary arrangements.”
“I want to reassure the local community that the Trust is fully committed to developing and enhancing South West Acute Hospital as an essential part of the Western Trust and regional hospital network. SWAH has a very busy Emergency Department, fantastic facilities and a wide range of very vibrant specialities.
“We ask for public support and understanding as we continue to work through the challenges to develop a solution that meets the future needs of our population. We will be carrying out a full public consultation on this temporary change including seeking views on how emergency general surgery might be restored, and will outline the details of consultation process in the coming weeks.
“Extensive work will be undertaken to inform patients of the change to general surgery services, including public advertising, posters and social media messaging.”
17/11/2022: DoH Statement – South West Acute Hospital Update
South West Acute Hospital update
The Department fully recognises the importance of South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) to the people of Fermanagh and Tyrone and to Northern Ireland’s hospital network.
The first duty of any health system is to provide safe care and the Department is satisfied that the Western Trust’s decision to temporarily suspend the service has been taken on public safety grounds, due to a lack of consultant general surgeons.
The mitigations put in place by the Trust will be closely monitored by the Department, including the transport arrangements for patients requiring treatment in other hospitals.
The future for emergency general surgery at South West Acute Hospital will now be the subject of a public consultation. Any permanent decision to cease emergency general surgery will require approval from the Department and Health Minister.
The Department can reassure the local population on SWAH’s future. It is a vital part of our hospital network and will very much remain so.
We can confirm that the Department is working with the Trust to make the hospital Northern Ireland’s third Elective Overnight Stay Centre, following earlier announcements on the Mater Hospital in Belfast and Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.
This will help the local population to receive better and quicker planned surgical care, and also help the whole region. It is expected to increase the number of operations and patients at SWAH.
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October 2022
17/10/2022: Special Trust Board Meeting to Consider General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital, (SWAH) Enniskillen
Embargoed until 5PM – 17/10/2022
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) held a special Trust Board meeting today (Monday 17 October 2022) during which the challenging position regarding Emergency General Surgery at SWAH was considered.
The meeting also discussed plans being developed with the Department of Health to expand non-emergency planned surgery at the hospital.
Speaking after the meeting, Geraldine McKay, Director of Acute Services at the Western Trust said:
“We have become increasingly concerned at the fragility of Emergency General Surgery at the SWAH. At our meeting today we updated Trust Board members of the current position and discussed a number of future planning options. The Department of Health and the Service Commissioner the SPPG are fully aware of the position and are being kept appraised of developments.”
“Despite our efforts to recruit, we have not been successful to date in securing the necessary consultant workforce. In recent months the Trust has highlighted the challenges of recruiting and retaining experienced consultant surgeons to provide the service.
“This is not a question of funding but maintaining the required workforce. The Trust is funded for six consultant surgeons to provide the service and we currently are working with three surgeons supported by locums. In recent days, we have been notified of forthcoming changes in the staff team which unless restored will leave it impossible to sustain a safe emergency general surgery service at the hospital.
“It is very important to note that no decision was made at today’s meeting and no recommendation from Trust Board has gone to the Department and Minister.
“While intensive recruitment efforts will continue, we also have to prepare for a future in which these do not prove successful. This planning will involve working very closely with our surgical team, our HSC colleagues and the Department to consider and develop clinical pathways for patients served by SWAH who require this service.
“No matter the outcome, however, it is important to stress that elective surgery at the hospital will continue and there would be minimal to no impact on the other existing services at SWAH.”
Trust chief executive Neil Guckian said:
“The province wide Review of General Surgery, which was published by Department of Health In June, highlighted the difficulties of maintaining the workforce for emergency general surgery at sites with a lower patient turnover in terms of rotas, succession planning, skill mix, supporting services and disciplines, best practice and maintaining quality care. It also stressed the potential for expanding elective (planned) surgery on these smaller sites. This would result in more patients being served than ever before. The SWAH would make an excellent regional elective centre. The Trust is determined to make that vision a reality and has been working with the Department on plans for an elective overnight stay centre at SWAH.
“I am very aware that the situation with emergency surgery will be deeply concerning to patients and staff. It’s not a position we want to be in but we have to plan ahead and be up front with the public about what that planning involves. I ask everyone to work with us constructively.”
03/10/2022: Update to Visiting Guidance to Western Trust Hospitals
Update to Visiting Guidance to Western Trust Hospitals
The Western Trust visiting guidance to hospital sites will continue to allow two visitors to visit at the same time, for one hour per day, per patient from FOUR nominated visitors. This will be reviewed again on Monday 10 October 2022.
There has been an easing of restrictions to maternity services which will now allow three nominated visitors, an increase from two previously. Partners can now attend twice daily, however the other two nominated visitors can only visit once per day.
Elective Wards (Wards 3, 21 and 43) at Altnagelvin Hospital and Elective Ward 9 at South West Acute Hospital will now allow one visitor from two nominated visitors to visit for one hour, once per day for post operation patients only. A time slot will need be arranged directly with the Ward.
The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and we are therefore emphasising the social responsibility our visitors have by ensuring they please continue with adherence to infection prevention and control measures in our efforts to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 into high risk and vulnerable settings.
We would also ask that visitors please wear a face mask (covering their nose and mouth) when inside our healthcare facilities, even when in the presence of a patient.
It is extremely important that any individual displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and take a LFD in line with current advice for the general population – they should not visit a hospital.
Visitors should note that despite the latest government guidance that you no longer need to self-isolate from Day 5, as a precautionary measure, you should avoid contact with people you know to be at higher risk from COVID-19 for 10 days, especially those with a weakened immune system and/or in hospital, to make sure you are no longer infectious.
Important information on visiting any Western Trust hospital:
- Two visitors (from FOUR nominees) are permitted to visit for one hour, once per day at the same time.
- Maternity Services – There has been an easing of restrictions to maternity services which will now allow 3 nominated visitors, an increase from two previously. Partners can now also attend twice daily, however the other two nominated visitors can only visit one daily.
- Neonatal Units – both parents or two nominated visitors to spend as much time with their baby as they wish.
- Children’s Ward – Any child admitted to the Children’s Ward can be accompanied by two people (either/both parents or two nominated caregivers from up to two households), at all times for the duration of the stay. We would however ask that parents or other nominated visitors swap places (one person at a time at the bedside) to enable us to maintain effective social distancing.
- Cancer Services – Ward 50 (North West Cancer Centre) at Altnagelvin will now allow for two nominated persons to visit for one hour, once a week. To keep our patients and staff safe from infection risks, virtual visiting remains the preferred option, in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.
- Elective Wards (Wards 3, 21 and 43) at Altnagelvin Hospital and Elective Ward 9 at South West Acute Hospital will now allow one visitor from two nominated visitors to visit for one hour, once per day for post operation patients only. A time slot will need be arranged directly with the Ward.
Based on high risk of COVID-19 transmission it is important to note that some wards are unable to allow visiting at this time and you will be informed of this when you ring to book your visit.
Depending on the continued level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, all temporary measures are subject to review.
There will also continue to be exceptional circumstances in respect of visiting guidance to the cancer services attending outpatient appointments, maternity scans, neonatal and visiting patients in end of life care. For further information, please refer to the Trust website.We would encourage you to keep in contact with your loved ones via Virtual Visiting arrangements. You can continue to arrange a ‘virtual visit’ with your relative or friend on a smartphone or tablet. Our hospitals have access to free Wi-Fi and our staff can help set this up. Please be patient as there continues to be significant staffing pressures at present and our staff will have to prioritise clinical work and patient care at this very busy time.
Please respect our Staff
For anyone attending any Western Trust hospital or facility, we ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times. There have been incidents where our staff have received verbal abuse and harassment and we would ask everyone to please refrain from such behaviour and remind everyone that we operate a Zero Tolerance policy towards abuse across our Trust.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation in relation to all essential recent changes to our visiting arrangements. Your support helps us to provide safer care for your relatives and friends who are currently in hospital.
Updated Visiting Guidance and specific information is provided on the Western Trust Website specific page here: https://westerntrust.hscni.net/western-trust-covid-19-information-updates/western-trust-covid19-visiting-guidance/
The Trust will meet to review the visiting arrangements again on Monday 10 October 2022.
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September 2022
20/09/2022: Belfast Telegraph Article: PFI Contract at SWAH & Altnagelvin Hospital; Lisnaskea Health and Care Centre – Proposal of Planning Notice (PAN); Update on Neonatal Services at South West Acute Hospital
1. RE: Belfast telegraph Article: PFI Contract at SWAH & Altnagelvin Hospital (19 September 2022)
You may be aware of a recent article in the Belfast Telegraph regarding the PFI Contract for the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen. We would like to provide you with some additional clarity to avoid any further misunderstanding.
Overall cost of the contract.
The article does not make clear that the costs of the PFI contract covers both the construction costs of building of the South West Acute Hospital and the additional costs associated with PFI contract. These include payment for Services, whole life costs (such as capital, lifecycle replacement for plant and equipment including specialist medical equipment, maintenance and operating service costs). Services included within the Unitary Charge are Estates Services, Energy & Utilities, Grounds & Gardens and Helpdesk.
Northern Ireland Health Group (NIHG) are contracted to provide these services at the South West Acute Hospital. Therefore it is important to emphasise that the total cost stated in the article covers both the building of the hospital and associated services provided by NIHG over the 30 year contract period. The article headline is very misleading as is states: “Western Trust owes firm £580m for a hospital that cost £224m to build.” The £580m (figure provided by Belfast Telegraph) also covers the costs associated with the provision of the services provided by the contractor, NIHG over the 30 year period.
The Western Trust pays the PFI contractor from funding that was secured centrally from Department of Health. For clarity, the PFI financing allocated to the Trust was specific for this purpose and is in addition to the existing operational budget. The PFI contract for the South West Acute Hospital does not impact on the Trust’s ability to fund other services. Following a detailed and robust business case process that was approved by the Department of Health and the then Health & Social Care Board (HSCB), this funding has been made available to the Trust for the delivery of this acute hospital facility. As stated above, the financing was secured specifically for this purpose and was in addition to the Trust’s existing operational budget.
Penalty Charges
Another important clarification which is not made clear in the article relates to penalties incurred. The Western Trust does not pay financial penalties. The penalties are paid by the contracted PFI provider, NIHG where agreed Service Level Agreements/Performance Standards that were built into the PFI contract are not met. For example, if a piece of equipment such as an endoscopy washer is broken and the Trust is unable to use it, then the Trust would issue a penalty to the contractor.
Like all PFI contracts, the South West Acute Hospital PFI Contract has an extensive performance specification and a penalties regime which was agreed at the outset. This means that the PFI provider NIHG pays penalties if underperformance occurs, under strict circumstances as set out in the contract terms. The contract terms are commercially sensitive and therefore we cannot comment further on them.
2. Lisnaskea Health and Care Centre – Proposal of Planning Notice (PAN)
A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) confirmed:
“A Proposal of Planning Notice (PAN) will shortly be submitted to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for Lisnaskea Health & Care Centre as part of the design process. As Lisnaskea is designated as a major development, the PAN process has a requirement for a public engagement event, which is provisionally scheduled for the end of October 2022.
“The event will be led and facilitated by the design team and will take the form of a call-in/drop-in type review, with afternoon and evening sessions available. Public notices will be placed in the Fermanagh Herald and the Impartial Reporter detailing the date and time of the public engagement event once confirmed. The event will help identify and address potential planning objection areas prior to the submission of the formal planning application.
“Further public consultant events will be organised as part of the wider project development, to support the design and implementation process.”
3. RE: Update on Neonatal Services at South West Acute Hospital
We wish to provide you with an update/changes to Neonatal Services at the South West Acute Hospital.
As you will be aware, due to chronic workforce challenges the unit moved from six special cots to two providing emergency and stabilisation care only since November 2021.
Extensive recruitment efforts have been ongoing over many months to secure Band 5, 6 and 7 posts. We wish to advise that we have been successful in the recruitment of a Band 7 post and a number of Band 5 posts.
Advertising for the Band 6 posts continue and more widespread radio ads have been developed to try and attract staff from ROI/ NIreland.
It has therefore been approved to move the threshold of delivery in SWAH from 36 weeks to 35 weeks with recommencement of neonatal special care provision for babies from 35 week gestation. Alongside this we will recommence repatriation of some babies from this locality, who are currently receiving special care in other hospitals.
This change is with immediate effect.
We are also pleased to announce that Tinylife have recruited to a Family Support officer to support families with preterm infants in the Tyrone and Fermanagh area. We will be promoting this new role on our social media channels and through local media in due course.
We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the service.
If you require a further discussion on this, please contact myself on the contact details below.
09/09/2022: MLA MP Briefing – Surgical Services
Click here to Download and Print the Briefing Paper regarding Surgical Services – 09 September 2022
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May 2022
25/05/2022: Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex to become Northern Ireland’s second day procedure unit
The Western Trust has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister Swann that Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex will become Northern Ireland’s second regional Day Procedure Centre.
The initiative represents a significant step forward in the transformation of health care to tackle waiting lists for urology, general surgery and endoscopy, which will benefit patients throughout the region.
Commenting on the Minister Swann’s announcement, Geraldine McKay, Director of Acute Services said:
“This is great news for the Western Trust and in particular Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex. We look forward to working with the Department of Health and our clinical and nursing staff to implement this.”
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April 2022
05/04/2022: Visiting Guidance update for Western Trust Hospitals
The Western Trust will continue with visiting to hospital sites allowing for one visit, for one hour per day per patient. Exceptions will also continue to apply in some areas. All temporary visiting restrictions will be reviewed again on Monday 11 April 2022 and an update will follow then as the Trust plan to implement a phased return to full visiting arrangements across all health care facilities in the months ahead.
COVID-19 transmission rates remain high in the community and the Western Trust continues to deal with challenges and pressures on our Hospitals. Staff absences due to Covid-19 and other sickness together with a sustained number of Covid-19 patients and Covid-19 outbreaks in our hospitals must continue to be managed.
The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly recommends that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test immediately prior to attending. This will help to reduce the risk for all patients. All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when visiting and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times, in addition to proper hand washing and adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Important information on visiting any Western Trust hospital:
- One Visitor (from two nominees) is permitted to visit for one hour, once per day.
- The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly advise that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test prior to attending.
- DO NOT ATTEND any Western Trust hospital or facility IF you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or are a close contact of someone who is confirmed COVID-19 positive.
- All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when attending any Western Trust hospital or facility and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times. In addition you must adhere to proper hand washing and social distancing guidelines at all times when visiting.
- Based on high risk of COVID-19 transmission it is important to note that some wards are unable to allow visiting at this time and you will be informed of this when you ring to book your visit.
- Depending on the continued high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, all temporary measures are subject to review.
- A further review of the Visiting Guidance will take place again on Monday 11 April 2022.
There will also continue to be exceptional circumstances in respect of visiting guidance to the North West Cancer Centre, attending outpatient appointments, maternity scans, neonatal and visiting patients in end of life care. Further information.
We would encourage you to keep in contact with your loved ones via Virtual Visiting arrangements. You can continue to arrange a ‘virtual visit’ with your relative or friend on a smartphone or tablet. Our hospitals have access to free Wi-Fi and our staff can help set this up. Please be patient as there continues to be significant staffing pressures at present and our staff will have to prioritise clinical work and patient care at this very busy time.
Please respect our Staff
For anyone attending any Western Trust hospital or facility, we ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times. There have been incidents where our staff have received verbal abuse and harassment and we would ask everyone to please refrain from such behaviour and remind everyone that we operate a zero tolerance policy towards abuse across our Trust.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation in relation to all essential recent changes to our visiting arrangements. Your support helps us to provide safer care for your relatives and friends who are currently in hospital.
- Updated Visiting Guidance and specific information is provided on the Western Trust Website specific page here
The Trust will meet to review the visiting arrangements again on Monday 11 April 2022.
-
March 2022
27/03/2022: Sarah’s Story: Appeal to expectant mothers to get their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible
Brenda McCabe, Midwifery Lead for South West Acute Hospital and Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex along with mum Sarah Marechaux are appealing for expectant mothers to get their COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves and their babies as she celebrates her first Mother’s Day with her daughter Olivia on Sunday 27 March 2022
Brenda and her colleagues have seen the serious consequences of getting COVID-19, particularly for pregnant women and their unborn baby and taking the opportunity of Mother’s Day to highlight the benefit of getting vaccinated.
Brenda said: “We are very grateful to Sarah Marechaux from Fintona, Co Tyrone for allowing us to share her remarkable story. Sarah had received her first COVID-19 jab prior to giving birth to her daughter via emergency C-section on 23 October 2021 at the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen.
“Unfortunately Sarah was seriously ill during her pregnancy having contracted COVID-19 and after giving birth and was treated in the COVID Ward 8 and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at South West Acute Hospital for 11 weeks. Her condition deteriorated on a number of occasions throughout this time and she was given the last rites twice. It is a miracle that Sarah has survived and this is testament to the dedication and care of the nursing and medical teams and of course to Sarah and her partner Josh that she was finally discharged home in January 2022.
Brenda added: “It is safe to get your COVID-19 vaccination during any stage of your pregnancy and I would encourage expectant mothers to speak to their consultant, midwife, GP or any healthcare professional for more advice if they have any questions or concerns.”
Sister Valerie Topping, COVID-19 Ward 8 at South West Acute Hospital said: “Sarah’s experience of COVID-19 is a remarkable and emotional journey and she will never be forgotten by the nursing staff on the COVID Ward who cared for her, or by the ICU nursing staff, who all took her into their hearts. As a consequence of COVID, Sarah’s condition deteriorated rapidly in hospital on three occasions following the birth of her baby, each time requiring a rapid emergency response by staff, followed by admission to Intensive Care, where she was critically ill on each of these occasions. This had a heart-wrenching effect on all staff caring for her, knowing Sarah was a new mother, separated from her new born daughter and not knowing what the outcome for her and her husband Josh would be.Valerie continued: “However, despite this very traumatic experience, Sarah and Josh, supported by Sarah’s mother, Lorraine, have shown exceptional resilience and determination. Sarah showed great courage throughout her remarkable recovery, fuelled by her desire to be reunited with her baby, Olivia and her older children. We did manage to arrange for Sarah to go home on Christmas morning and with the support of nursing staff she was able to enjoy Christmas with her beautiful family, which was incredibly important for Sarah’s overall health and well-being. Whilst she continues in her recovery, my staff gained immense satisfaction, delight and hope during this challenging time in supporting Sarah until she was finally able to be discharged home, in early January 2022.
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah, Josh and Olivia to a special celebration today to mark Sarah and her families incredible journey last year and to acknowledge the help and support Sarah’s mum Lorraine has provided to her daughter and granddaughter. We would like to wish Sarah well in her on-going recovery and she will always have a special place in all our hearts. Unfortunately Lorraine could not be with us today but we wish to extend a very Happy Mother’s Day to Sarah and Lorraine and we hope you both have a very special day on Sunday.”Sarah Marechaux said: “I like many other pregnant women was anxious about getting the vaccine and had many concerns. I know there is a lot of mix messages and scaremongering stories about the vaccine but I want to appeal to expectant mothers to please speak to their consultant or midwife who will be happy to answer any questions. I owe my life and that of my daughter, Olivia to Dr Andrew Craven, Speciality Doctor who was able to allay my fears and encouraged me to get jabbed.”
Sarah added: “Myself and my partner are extremely grateful for the compassion and care provided to me by all the staff at the South West Acute Hospital and in particular Dr Craven, Sr Valerie Topping and ICU Staff. We have been through a rollercoaster of emotions and no words can express our gratitude to the wonderful staff in the hospital.
“A massive thank you to my Doctors, ICU nurses, Ward 8 staff, Physios, OTs, porters and cleaners – they were all part of my journey in the South West Acute Hospital. There wasn’t a day where someone from any of those departments came to my room and wished me well or where praying for me. Josh and I appreciate everything you have all done for us.
Sarah continued: “When I was seriously ill I was unaware of what was going on around me, however, the staff created a memory book and each of them wrote messages of what was happening that day, who was with me, who held my hand, washed me, brushed my hair etc. The midwives also wrote about how my daughter was getting on – as they knew I was missing out on important milestones. I will treasure this book for ever and read this to Olivia when she is old enough to understand.”Brenda concluded: “Thank you again to Sarah for allowing us to share your amazing story of recovery from COVID-19. This has certainly given a much needed morale boost for our health care staff at this difficult time and we wish you, your partner and your beautiful daughter every happiness in the future. Take care.”
To find the most up to date information on the Western Trust vaccination programme, visit the Western Trust Vaccination web page link: Western Trust Vaccination Webpage
25/03/2022: Western Trust under Severe Pressure due to High COVID inpatients
The Western Trust is facing unprecedented pressures due to the high level of COVID-19 infection in our local community and the subsequent increasing numbers of COVID-19 positive patients in our Hospitals.
As of yesterday 24 March 2022 we had 52 COVID-19 patients in Altnagelvin and 51 COVID patients in South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen. This is the highest number of COVID patients we have treated for many months.
Our hospitals are currently operating at 100% bed capacity and there remains high numbers of Emergency Department attendances, and many patients facing lengthy waits for admission to wards.
Speaking about the current hospital pressures, Western Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian said: “The number of COVID-19 inpatients is again increasing at both Altnagelvin Hospital and the South West Acute Hospital. This is putting extreme pressure on the hospital system, including our workforce and is causing us great concern.
“This is not a simple matter of putting up more beds. Beds require staff to care for patients and pre-existing staffing pressures and staff absences due to COVID continue to be challenge.
“It is very regrettable that we find ourselves in such a difficult position again and we are currently considering if we need to step down some services and redirect staff for a period of time, to ensure that we can manage the increasing pressures in a safe manner.”
Neil continued: “As the Chief Medical Officer emphasised yesterday, the threat from COVID-19 has certainly not ended. Although our admissions to Intensive Care are low, we continue to have very significant numbers of very unwell COVID patients needing care in our hospitals.
“We are therefore asking once again for the public to please support us by adopting COVID safe behaviours whilst visiting our facilities. The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly recommends that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test immediately prior to attending. This will help to reduce the risk for all patients. All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when visiting and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times, in addition to proper hand washing and adhering to social distancing guidelines. Your support helps us to provide safer care for your relatives and friends who are currently in hospital.
“Patients and families should also be aware that due to the ongoing pressure for hospital beds patients may be discharged without their full package of care being in place, or discharged to another care facility until the place of their choice is available.”
Neil concluded: “Every single member of our staff across our hospital and community settings are yet again rising to the extreme challenges we are facing and we again thank them for their tremendous efforts.
“For anyone attending any of our hospitals or facilities, we ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times. There have been incidents where our staff have received verbal abuse and harassment and we would ask everyone to please refrain from such behaviour and remind everyone that we operate a zero tolerance policy towards abuse across our Trust.”
07/03/2022: Actor and Mencap NI Ambassador James Martin officially opens Sensory Room at Altnagelvin Hospital’s Emergency Department
The Western Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian warmly welcomed actor and Mencap NI Ambassador James Martin and guests to officially open the Adult Learning Disability Sensory Room at Altnagelvin Hospital’s Emergency Department today (Monday 07 March 2022).
James Martin said:
“Thank you for inviting me to open the sensory room at Altnagelvin Hospital. It will help many people with a learning disability and their families when they have to go to hospital in an emergency. It can be scary to go to hospital, so this will help keep people calm and happy so they can get better treatment. This new sensory room will be fantastic and really help people.”
James continued:
“It is important that people with a learning disability get help and support when they visit hospital and that staff understand how to help them. Simple changes make a big difference, more time, better communication and clearer information can all help to make sure someone with a learning disability is treated well in hospital.”
Neil Guckian, Chief Executive at the Western Trust expressed his delight to be part of the official opening of the first Sensory Room installed in a Northern Ireland Emergency Department. Neil said:
“I wish to warmly welcome you all to Altnagelvin Hospital’s ED today to celebrate the opening of this wonderful sensory room. This facility has been extremely well received by staff, clients and families since opening on 01 December 2021.”
Neil continued:
“Thank you to our Acute Liaison Nurse Clionagh McElhinney for her vision and commitment to improving the lives of patients with a Learning Disability and to our Emergency Department staff for their dedication and support as they continue to deliver safe and effective care for our population in the North West. This initiative was undertaken in response to feedback and discussion with carers and service users who have attended ED in the past and is a reflection of working in partnership with different professionals with the support of the Trust’s Adult Learning Disability Involvement Team. Given the successful feedback to date of our first sensory room, we are hopeful that we can replicate such areas in other parts of the Trust. Well done everyone on this outstanding achievement we are extremely proud of you all!”
Clionagh McElhinney, Acute Liaison Nurse based at Altnagelvin Hospital explained:
“To help improve the experience of people with a Learning Disability and their carers when attending the Emergency Department, we worked in partnership with our ED colleagues to create a new sensory room. This room provides a quiet, relaxing environment to minimise stress and anxiety so that their clinical procedures can be carried out and avoids unnecessary interaction with other patients in ED Waiting Area.
“I would like to thank the local supplier of sensory equipment Creative Activity and in particular Kieran McMullan Sales Manager who helped to design the room and provided a very efficient and professional service. The room was fitted inside 4 hours with limited disruption to services within ED. Thank you Kieran and your team.”
Clionagh added:“The feedback that has been received since this room opened from both staff and patients has been phenomenal and is testament to the care and dedication of the staff in ED. Comments received:
“The difference it made to the person’s care was unbelievable, he was so settled and calm once taken into the room. We were able to get his clinical observation once in the room.” (ED staff member)
“Fantastic Facility” (carer)
“Usually this would have been the most stressful things in our life but with the new sensory room it was brilliant, he loved it. This has to be the one of the best ideas Altnagelvin has ever done- well done everyone!! (parent)
Colleen Hamilton, Assistant Services Manager for Unscheduled Care at Altnagelvin Hospital’s Emergency Department said
“We are delighted to have this dedicated space in our Emergency Department to support patients with a learning disability and their carers. Once the room door is closed you would not imagine you are in the midst of an extremely busy and noisy environment – it really is a calm oasis and has been very well received by the staff here in the department. It allows us to carry out tests and procedures much more easily and in less time which is beneficial to the patient and staff. We are very proud that we are the first ED in Northern Ireland to have this sensory room and look forward to continuing to provide the best care to our patients in the future.”
07/03/2022: Visiting Guidance update for Western Trust Hospitals
The Western Trust will continue with visiting to hospital sites allowing for one visit, for one hour per day per patient. Exceptions will also continue to apply in some areas. All temporary visiting restrictions will be reviewed again on Monday 21 March 2022 and an update will follow then as the Trust plan to implement a phased return to full visiting arrangements across all health care facilities in the months ahead.
COVID-19 transmission rates remain high in the community and the Western Trust continues to deal with challenges and pressures on our Hospitals. Staff absences due to Covid-19 and other sickness together with a sustained number of Covid-19 patients and Covid-19 outbreaks in our hospitals must continue to be managed.
The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly recommends that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test immediately prior to attending. This will help to reduce the risk for all patients. All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when visiting and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times, in addition to proper hand washing and adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Important information on visiting any Western Trust hospital (from Monday 7 March 2022):
- One Visitor (from two nominees) is permitted to visit for one hour, once per day.
- The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly advise that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test prior to attending.
- DO NOT ATTEND any Western Trust hospital or facility IF you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or are a close contact of someone who is confirmed COVID-19 positive.
- All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when attending any Western Trust hospital or facility and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times. In addition you must adhere to proper hand washing and social distancing guidelines at all times when visiting.
- Based on high risk of COVID-19 transmission it is important to note that some wards are unable to allow visiting at this time and you will be informed of this when you ring to book your visit.
- Depending on the continued high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, all temporary measures are subject to review.
- A further review of the Visiting Guidance will take place again on Monday 21 March 2022.
There will also continue to be exceptional circumstances in respect of visiting guidance to the North West Cancer Centre, attending outpatient appointments, maternity scans, neonatal and visiting patients in end of life care. For further information, please refer to the Trust website – link here.
We would encourage you to keep in contact with your loved ones via Virtual Visiting arrangements. You can continue to arrange a ‘virtual visit’ with your relative or friend on a smartphone or tablet. Our hospitals have access to free Wi-Fi and our staff can help set this up. Please be patient as there continues to be significant staffing pressures at present and our staff will have to prioritise clinical work and patient care at this very busy time.
Please respect our Staff
For anyone attending any Western Trust hospital or facility, we ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times. There have been incidents where our staff have received verbal abuse and harassment and we would ask everyone to please refrain from such behaviour and remind everyone that we operate a zero tolerance policy towards abuse across our Trust.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation in relation to all essential recent changes to our visiting arrangements. Your support helps us to provide safer care for your relatives and friends who are currently in hospital.
- Updated Visiting Guidance and specific information is provided on the Western Trust Website specific page here
The Trust will meet to review the visiting arrangements again on Monday 21 March 2022.
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February 2022
22/02/2022: Altnagelvin Hospital Emergency Department Message
Our Emergency Department at Altnagelvin Hospital is under extreme pressures this evening, as is the entire Emergency Care network across Northern Ireland. We will be asking patients and the public to work with us around facilitating early discharge from the hospital where possible and seeking other alternatives if they need to attend the Emergency Department.
See below video link which will be posted on our social media channels this evening.
22/02/2022: Visiting Guidance update for Western Trust Hospitals
The Western Trust will continue with visiting to hospital sites allowing for one visit, for one hour per day per patient. Exceptions will also continue to apply in some areas. All temporary visiting restrictions will be reviewed again on Monday 7 March 2022 and an update will follow then as the Trust plan to implement a phased return to full visiting arrangements across all health care facilities in the months ahead.
COVID-19 transmission rates remain very high in the community and the Western Trust continues to deal with challenges and pressures on our Hospitals. Staff absences due to Covid-19 and other sickness together with a sustained number of Covid-19 patients and Covid-19 outbreaks in our hospitals must continue to be managed.
Medical Director, Dr Catherine McDonnell said:
“It is really important to continue to be cautious in our health and social care settings. There is still over 400 patients in hospitals across the region suffering from COVID-19, a number of which have contracted the virus within the healthcare facility. We need to be diligent and vigilant in regards to continuing with Infection, Prevention and Control practices to keep staff safe, patients safe and to protect our services. We will also continue to wear masks and socially distance in our facilities. I look forward to more hopeful times. I ask for your patience and caution in the weeks and months ahead to ensure that we keep you safe, your colleagues safe and our patients safe.”
The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly recommends that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test immediately prior to attending. This will help to reduce the risk for all patients. All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when visiting and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times, in addition to proper hand washing and adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Important information on visiting any Western Trust hospital (from Monday 21 February 2022):
- One Visitor (from 2 nominees) is permitted to visit for one hour, once per day.
- The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly advise that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test prior to attending.
- DO NOT ATTEND any Western Trust hospital or facility IF you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or are a close contact of someone who is confirmed COVID-19 positive.
- All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when attending any Western Trust hospital or facility and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times. In addition you must adhere to proper hand washing and social distancing guidelines at all times when visiting.
- Based on high risk of COVID-19 transmission it is important to note that some wards are unable to allow visiting at this time and you will be informed of this when you ring to book your visit.
- Depending on the continued high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, all temporary measures are subject to review.
- A further review of the Visiting Guidance will take place again on Monday 7 March 2022.
There will also continue to be exceptional circumstances in respect of visiting guidance to the North West Cancer Centre, attending outpatient appointments, maternity scans, neonatal and visiting patients in end of life care. For further information, please refer to the our Visiting Guidance Page.
We would encourage you to keep in contact with your loved ones via Virtual Visiting arrangements. You can continue to arrange a ‘virtual visit’ with your relative or friend on a smartphone or tablet. Our hospitals have access to free Wi-Fi and our staff can help set this up. Please be patient as there continues to be significant staffing pressures at present and our staff will have to prioritise clinical work and patient care at this very busy time.
Please respect our Staff
For anyone attending any Western Trust hospital or facility, we ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times. There have been incidents where our staff have received verbal abuse and harassment and we would ask everyone to please refrain from such behaviour and remind everyone that we operate a zero tolerance policy towards abuse across our Trust.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation in relation to all essential recent changes to our visiting arrangements. Your support helps us to provide safer care for your relatives and friends who are currently in hospital.
- Updated Visiting Guidance and specific information is provided on the Western Trust Website specific page here
The Trust will meet to review the visiting arrangements again on Monday 7 March 2022
15/02/2022: Temporary Visiting Restrictions remain in place in Western Trust hospitals
Following Health Minister, Robin Swann’s announcement regarding COVID-19 Restrictions, the temporary visiting restrictions in Western Trust hospitals will continue and will be kept under constant review by the Trust Visiting Group. Current guidelines permit 1 person to visit for 1 hour once a day in the previously agreed areas with two nominated visitors.
Within the Western Trust Health and Social Care settings, social distancing and other COVID safe measures must continue.
The public is being asked to continue to wear face coverings while attending HSC enclosed settings to help protect our staff and vulnerable patients.
The Trust will meet to review the current visiting arrangements again on Monday 21 February 2022 and an updated will be provided following that review meeting.
Visiting guidance specific to each area can be found here.
Staff Urged to be ‘Diligent and Vigilant’ Following Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions
Medical Director, Dr Catherine McDonnell gives staff an update following Health Minister, Robin Swann’s announcement yesterday (14.02.22), she said:
“The health minister’s announcement yesterday on the easing of COVID-19 restrictions is a welcome development for us all. You will note that the lifting of restrictions applies to the various public settings.
(For your convenience, please click HERE for the Minister’s full announcement and associate statements).
“It is really important to continue to be cautious in our health and social care settings. There is over 400 patients in hospitals across the region suffering from COVID-19, a number of which have contracted the virus within the healthcare facility.
“We need to be diligent and vigilant in regards to continuing with Infection, Prevention and Control practices to keep staff safe, patients safe and to protect our services. We should continue to wear masks, socially distance (particularly at break time) and to participate in the Asymptomatic Staff Testing programme”
Catherine finishes by saying thank you to staff for all the work done over the past two years.
She added:
“I look forward to more hopeful times. I ask for your patience and caution as we move into the weeks and months ahead to ensure that we keep you safe, your colleagues safe and our patients safe.”
Visiting restrictions continue and will be kept under constant review by the Trust Visiting Group. Current guidelines permit 1 person to visit for 1 hour once a day in the previously agreed areas with two nominated visitors. Staff should remind the general public and patients on admission that these restrictions remain in place.
10/02/2022: Neonatology Ward South West Acute Hospital
Western Trust committed to working through staffing challenges at SWAH Neonatal Unit
Deirdre Mahon, Director of Women and Children’s Services at the Western Health and Social Care Trust said:
“I want to acknowledge the public’s concern surrounding the current position of our neonatal unit in South West Acute Hospital. Many will have seen the negative narrative online and in press in recent days. Contrary to some incorrect information quoted, I would like to reassure expectant parents and the wider public that the Trust is committed to working through the staffing challenges faced in the Neonatal unit at South West Acute Hospital and indeed support Neonatal services and maternity services across the Trust as a whole.
“It is important that the public and key stakeholders are aware of the background of the unit, its current position, the work we have completed to date and work that is currently ongoing.” Deirdre explains: “The unit is commissioned for six special care cots. Over recent years/months many senior experienced neonatal nurses have left due to retirement, to pursue a different career pathway or to accommodate a better family life balance. This has left a huge depletion of experienced neonatal nurses with a result that the unit is having great difficulty providing adequate nursing cover for many shifts.
“Contrary to some of the recent headlines, this is not about cutting neonatal or maternity services. We are doing everything in our power to actively try to recruit and address gaps in our workforce to ensure a safe and sustainable neonatal service. However, we have to date been unsuccessful in attracting and employing trained/ experienced neonatal nurses to work in Enniskillen. We recognise that there is a regional and a national shortage of neonatal trained nurses and the situation in SWAH has been escalated to the Neonatal Network NI, PHA and HSCB.
“The staffing crisis has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and short-term sick leave and staff isolation within the Western Trust.”
“Neonatal Units across the Region have all endured significant staffing shortages and because of the specialist knowledge and skills required to care for preterm and sick babies, there has been no opportunities to seek cross-cover across hospital sites. The Trust do accept nurses (Adult/Children) and Midwives (some midwives are working there temporarily at present but are not Qualified in Specialty) to work in our neonatal units but they require a further period of training and support. They must complete a recognised course (3 neonatal modules) through QUB to get the QIS qualification.
“Whilst we recognise that the shortage of neonatal nurses in South West Acute Hospital has been an ongoing concern, the Unit have implemented contingency plans to ensure that all babies born in the hospital are safely cared for. This has included reducing cot capacity in order to provide emergency and stabilisation of sick and preterm babies to another regional unit for ongoing specialist care if required. It is also important to note that all of the babies transferred during this period would have met the criteria for transfer regardless of the aforementioned challenges. It is also important to note that all of the babies transferred during this period would have met the criteria for transfer regardless of the aforementioned challenges and that, to date, no babies have been moved to any unit outside of the region.
“As well as the Trust continued and active recruitment, a Project Board is now been established to look at all the different aspects of neonatal service delivery at South West Acute Hospital, to ensure the safe care for all babies born in our hospital and within that, project teams will be implemented to look at key areas within the overall structure. The Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency have members on this Project Board who are working closely with senior management and clinical leads who are responsible for overseeing how this work will move forward.
“South West Acute Hospital senior clinical management team and Human Resources are also currently engaging with an external advertising agency and working with our communication team to plan how we can try to address this nursing shortage locally and as a wider recruitment exercise.
“Initially, as part of this process, there will be a PR campaign launched, highlighting the Trust Neonatal service and the opportunities available there and featuring this as a ‘Great place to work and live’.
“Finally, we acknowledge that the negative headlines and narrative which has been prominent online and in the media recently is unhelpful in attracting staff to take up important roles in South West Acute Hospital. Moving forward, as we strive to promote and highlight Fermanagh as a ‘Great Place to Work and Live’ it will be very important for all key stakeholders and our local communities to work with us in helping promote the campaign and sharing positive messages publicly on this to attract staff to come and work in SWAH.”
10/02/2022: Update Briefing: Adult Mental health Services
Adult Mental Health Services
The Adult Mental Health Service provides a range of inpatient and community based services for adults. The Adult Mental Health Service is structured along key functional lines and is a biopsychosocial model and therefore delivered by a range of multidisciplinary professionals i.e., Nurses, Social Workers, Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Occupational Therapists and Pharmacists. To ensure service user and carer involvement in the development and provision of services, we work closely with a service user consultant as well as carers groups.
The functionalised teams are as follows: Primary Care Liaison (PCL) Crisis Response Home Treatment (CRHT), Recovery Service, Adult Psychological Therapy, Alcohol and Drug Service, Forensics, Personality Disorder and Eating Disorder.
The Crisis Service
The Crisis Service provides a 24 hour, 7 day a week response to those people experiencing a significant mental health crisis. The service will offer a range of responses to manage short term crisis including, inpatient services, home treatment and acute day care.
In the Northern Sector which covers Derry City, Limavady and Strabane Council areas, Crisis Response Home Treatment (CRHT) is provided through a 30 bed inpatient unit including 6 higher intensity inpatient beds. The team performs a number of functions i.e. 24/7 gate-keeping to inpatient beds, crisis assessments, community home treatment based interventions as alternatives to hospital admission and acute day care provision.
In the Southern Sector, which covers Omagh and Fermanagh Council areas, CRHT is provided through 26 inpatient beds (with 5 higher intensity beds) in the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital. It performs similar functions including 24/7 gate-keeping to inpatient beds, crisis assessments, step up and step down to Rathview Home Treatment House and community home treatment based interventions as alternative hospital admission.
Primary Care Liaison
PCL – a single point of access to Tier 3 Mental Health services. Due to the geography of the Western Trust there are three entry points; one in the Northern Sector, one Omagh and one in Enniskillen in the Southern Sector. These teams address all urgent mental health referrals and elective referrals within a 9 week standard as per the Mental Health Access Protocol. Co-located with PCL teams in both sectors there will be a well-being hub which will manage all tier 2 referrals from GPs. These hubs will liaise and link with the Community Sector and Voluntary Sector to ensure a ‘no wrong door approach’ for clients requiring Tier 2 mental health services.
Recovery Service
Mental Health Recovery Services in the Western Trust exist to support people with serious and enduring mental health problems in their personal journey towards recovery. Services are underpinned by the principles of a person centred, strengths based approach, recognising the unique skills, creativity and expertise both of the service user and the helper. The guiding principles of autonomy, fairness, protection, dignity and respect are integral to the therapeutic alliance.
There are 6 locality based multi-disciplinary Recovery teams across the Trust.
Recovery Services include 10 supported living facilities which provide accommodation and support for those with complex needs in line with the established criteria. There are also 5 centres providing day opportunities across the Trust. The Recovery Service also encompasses provision for short breaks and carers support. There are a number of contracts with Community and Voluntary Sector providers managed through the Recovery Services. The Recovery Service includes the Condition Management Programme, a DEL funded service to support unemployed service users to manage their health condition and gain employment. The development of the Recovery College hub and spoke model and a range of service user initiatives are managed through the Recovery Service.
A specialist aspect of the Recovery Service is the Forensic Mental Health Team which is a Trust Wide Service that works predominately with recovery clients with co-morbid forensic issues and mental health conditions.
Adult Psychological Therapy Services
There are two Adult Psychological Therapy Teams, one north and one south. These teams primarily treat service users at Steps 4 & 5 (more complex cases). The Teams incorporate modalities such as CBT, Psychology and Psychotherapy. We aim to manage referrals to this team within a 13 week standard as per the Mental Health Access Protocol.
Other Specialist Services
There are a number of Trust wide specialist services such as Addictions, Eating Disorders, the Regional Trauma Network and Personality Disorders. Service users within the Specialist services can be managed within a single team depending on need or in partnership with any of the above services.
With Addiction Services there are 2 managed multi-disciplinary community addiction teams and an Tier 4 Regional Inpatient Detoxification Unit. There is a substance misuse liaison provision to acute and mental health hospitals also.
Eating Disorders is a managed multi-disciplinary team which has Trust wide responsibility.
Personality Disorder Team is psychology led with a Trust wide remit currently providing support and partnership working with the above teams. They continue to developing services for therapeutic groups across Trust and supporting practitioners to sustain these groups.
The Regional Trauma Network are a specialist multi-disciplinary team providing intervention for service users that have been assessed as having experienced significant Trauma, including Troubles related issues.
Perinatal Mental Health Team
Recruitment has commenced for this team, with the Team Lead and Consultant Psychiatrists posts currently live. The final configuration of the team, within the available budget, will be confirmed shortly.
Transformation Projects
Mental Health Liaison Service
The Western Trust commenced the development of an Enhanced Mental Health Liaison service (MHLS) to its acute general hospitals in 2019 with a view to improving the care and treatment of people with mental health or addictions presentations in Emergency Departments and acute general hospital wards and to support discharge and appropriate follow-up. This will be mainstreamed with confirmation of recurrent funding and has progressed in recent months with recruitment of nursing staff and a trustwide Clinical co-ordinator.
Towards Zero Suicide
The Towards Zero Suicide (TZS) collaborative aims to research and adopt best practice in suicide prevention. We are fully engaged in the relevant regional workstreams and initiatives, with the wider implementation of our co-produced safety-planning tool a regional priority. This Service Improvement post is also confirmed for mainstreaming in Adult Mental Health Services.
Stepped Care Model – How services are organised
From Regional Mental Health Care Pathway, 2014
Five Ways to Wellbeing – What we can all do
10/02/2022: COVID19 Vaccine Programme Update
- Our Mass Vaccination Centres at Foyle Arena, Omagh Leisure Centre and Lakeland Forum are now closed. We once again express our thanks to the councils for their ongoing support for our vaccination programme.
- Our vaccination teams will now work out of three smaller ‘hubs’ for the next stage of the programme: Anderson House (Altnagelvin), Key Worker Accommodation (SWAH) and Old School Canteen (T&F) will be our bases through February starting from this Wednesday 2/2/22.
- Clinics will run on a variety of days, including evenings and weekends. We advise checking our website for weekly updates as the timetable may be subject to change depending on public demand.
- Children aged 5 to 11 years in a clinical risk group, or children who are a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed, are now being offered a first dose COVID-19 vaccine, with an interval of eight weeks between the first and second doses.
- GPs will be writing out to these children to advise them to book on to a Trust site to receive their vaccinations.
- If you have received a letter, then please log on to the booking system and make an appointment to attend one of the Western Trust’s clinics for 5-11 year-olds at our three ‘hub’ locations.
- Vaccination teams will also be visiting special schools from Monday 31/1/22 to help support this element of the programme.
- Many of those who received their first dose COVID vaccination through their school are now due their second dose. The school vaccination programme is now complete, so these young adults should attend a public vaccination clinic at one of our hub locations, both booked slots and a limited capacity for walk-ins are available.
- It is vitally important that they receive this second dose in order to maintain optimum levels of immunity.
- All those eligible for a second dose should have received a text message advising them to make arrangements for their second dose, a minimum of 12 weeks after their first dose, or 12 weeks after being COVID positive if they have subsequently tested positive or have shown COVID symptoms.
- The Western Trust will re-introduce their COVID Vaccination Telephone Booking & Support Line from this week. Opening hours will be 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4:30pm on Fridays. The number to ring is 028 7161 0753
Mobile Clinics:
Date Area Venue / Address Tues 22nd Feb Strand House of Value, Longs Supermarket, Strand Road. Thurs 24th Feb Strathroy Strathroy Community Centre Tues 1st Mar Shantallow Community Centre Wed 2nd Mar Greysteel Vale Centre, Greysteel Thurs 3rd Mar Castlecoole St. Michaels Scouts Hall, Erne Rd, Enniskillen Tues 8th Mar Creggan Central Old Library Trust, Creggan Thurs 10th Mar Killyclogher Cappagh Parish Hall, Killyclogher - Bookings are now open for both general public and the 5-11 at clinical risk to book slots for vaccination at all three of our hubs here
- For the latest on the Western Trust’s vaccination programme, including opening hours and schedule of opening for each of the hub location and mobile clinics, click here
- Full details on vaccine eligibility, including dose intervals and guidance for different age brackets, click here
10/02/2022: COVID-19 Update
At February 2 2022
Workforce Absence
09/02/2022; Once per day Visiting continues for Western Trust Hospitals
With continued high transmission rates of COVID-19 in the community, the Western Trust will continue with the temporary visiting restrictions across our hospital sites allowing for one visit, for one hour per day per patient. There will be exceptions which will apply in some areas.
The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly recommends that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test immediately prior to attending. This will help to reduce the risk for all patients. All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when visiting and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times, in addition to proper hand washing and adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Important information on visiting any Western Trust hospital:
- One Visitor (from 2 nominees) is permitted to visit for one hour, once per day.
- The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly advise that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test prior to attending.
- DO NOT ATTEND any Western Trust hospital or facility IF you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or are a close contact of someone who is confirmed COVID-19 positive.
- All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when attending any Western Trust hospital or facility and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times. In addition you must adhere to proper hand washing and social distancing guidelines at all times when visiting.
- Based on high risk of COVID-19 transmission it is important to note that some wards are unable to allow visiting at this time and you will be informed of this when you ring to book your visit.
- Depending on the continued high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, all temporary measures are subject to review.
- A further review of the Visiting Guidance will take place again on Monday 21 February 2022.
There will also continue to be exceptional circumstances in respect of visiting guidance to the North West Cancer Centre, attending outpatient appointments, maternity scans, neonatal and visiting patients in end of life care. For further information, click here.
We would encourage you to keep in contact with your loved ones via Virtual Visiting arrangements. You can continue to arrange a ‘virtual visit’ with your relative or friend on a smartphone or tablet. Our hospitals have access to free Wi-Fi and our staff can help set this up. Please be patient as there continues to be significant staffing pressures at present and our staff will have to prioritise clinical work and patient care at this very busy time.
For anyone attending any Western Trust hospital or facility, we ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times. There have been incidents where our staff have received verbal abuse and harassment and we would ask everyone to please refrain from such behaviour and remind everyone that we operate a zero tolerance policy towards abuse across our Trust.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation in relation to all essential recent changes to our visiting arrangements. Your support helps us to provide safer care for your relatives and friends who are currently in hospital.
- Updated Visiting Guidance and specific information is provided on the Western Trust Website specific page here.
The Trust will meet to review the visiting arrangements again on Monday 21 February 2022.
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January 2022
24/01/2022: Once per day Visiting re-introduced for Western Trust Hospitals and Facilities
While there remains continued high transmission rates of COVID-19 in the community, the Western Trust are further easing restrictions on visiting to hospitals and facilities from after midnight on Monday 24 January.
From 00:01am on Tuesday 25 January 2022, the temporary visiting restrictions across our hospital sites and facilities will be eased further to allow for one visit, for one hour per day per patient. There will be some exceptions which will apply in some areas.
The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly recommends that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test immediately prior to attending. This will help to reduce the risk for all patients. All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when visiting and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times, in addition to proper hand washing and adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Important information on Visiting any Western Trust hospital or facility from 00:01am on Tuesday 25 January 2022:
- One Visitor (from 2 nominees) is permitted to visit for one hour, once per day.
- The new visiting guidance will be applicable from 00:01am on Tuesday 25 January 2022.
- The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly advise that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test immediately prior to attending.
- DO NOT ATTEND any Western Trust hospital or facility IF you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or are a close contact of someone who is confirmed COVID-19 positive.
- All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when attending any Western Trust hospital or facility and this includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times. In addition you must adhere to proper hand washing and social distancing guidelines at all times when visiting.
- Based on high risk of COVID-19 transmission it is important to note that some wards are unable to allow visiting at this time and you will be informed of this when you ring to book your visit.
- Depending on the continued high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, all temporary measures are subject to review.
- A further review of the Visiting Guidance will take place again on Monday 7 February 2022.
There will also continue to be exceptional circumstances in respect of visiting guidance to the North West Cancer Centre, attending outpatient appointments, maternity scans, neonatal and visiting patients in end of life care. For further information, please refer to the Trust website.
We would encourage you to keep in contact with your loved ones via Virtual Visiting arrangements. You can continue to arrange a ‘virtual visit’ with your relative or friend on a smartphone or tablet. Our hospitals have access to free Wi-Fi and our staff can help set this up. Please be patient as there continues to be significant staffing pressures at present and our staff will have to prioritise clinical work and patient care at this very busy time.
For anyone attending any Western Trust hospital or facility, we ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times. There have been incidents where our staff have received verbal abuse and harassment and we would ask everyone to please refrain from such behaviour and remind everyone that we operate a zero tolerance policy towards abuse across our Trust.
We would like to thank you for your cooperation in relation to all essential recent changes to our visiting arrangements. Your support helps us to provide safer care for your relatives and friends who are currently in hospital.
- Updated Visiting Guidance and specific information is provided on the Western Trust Website specific page here
The Trust will meet to review the visiting arrangements again on Monday 7 February 2022.
20/01/2022: Northern Ireland Hospital Based Termination of Pregnancy Statistics, 2020/21
Department of Health
The Department of Health (DoH) today published statistics relating to medical abortions and terminations of pregnancy in Northern Ireland HSC Hospitals during 2020/21.
The statistical bulletin presents information on the number of medical abortions and terminations of pregnancy carried out in HSC Hospitals in Northern Ireland during 2020/21.
The information release is published here
19/01/2022: RQIA to publish Report on Lakeview Hospital
RQIA inspected Lakeview Hospital on 16 – 18 August 2021 and highlighted areas for improvement. As part of the normal RQIA inspection processes, families of patients in Lakeview Hospital at that time were involved.
The Trust took immediate action and developed an Improvement Plan with identified timeframes for the required improvements. As part of normal Trust processes, a number of staff information sessions have taken place. Within these sessions, staff were informed of the highlighted areas for improvement and the improvement plan was developed in conjunction with staff. The Plan was shared and agreed with RQIA.
The Trust is committed to providing the highest quality services for all the patients and service users in its care. The Trust takes very seriously the areas identified as requiring improvement in Lakeview Hospital and has demonstrated its willingness to take whatever actions are necessary to ensure the service is compliant with the relevant standards and practices.
As part of this process, all families involved have now been contacted and meetings have taken place with all but one family (who advised they were content and did not require a meeting) to fully update on the current position and the ongoing planning process as stated above. All families have also since been communicated with and provided with a copy of the RQIA Report.
Work identified in the Improvement Plan remains ongoing and is managed through a Project Team and Project Board as well as being overseen by the Trust Corporate Management Team.
RQIA will publish their report on Wednesday 19 January 2022.
18/01/2022: DOH Release – Orthopaedic Surgery Initiative Launches at South West Acute Hospital
Orthopaedic surgery initiative launches at South West Acute Hospital
Twenty one patients received hip replacements last week through a new orthopaedic surgery initiative for Northern Ireland.
It is only one of a range of initiatives taking place to utilise additional in-house and independent sector capacity to tackle hospital waiting times. The Western Health and Social Care Trust in partnership with Musgrave House has planned a programme of hip replacements using surplus theatre capacity in the South West Acute Hospital between now and March 31.
Health Minister Robin Swann said:
“Last year when I published a new Elective Care Framework to tackle the waiting lists, I gave a clear commitment that I wanted to see all HSC capacity utilised whenever and wherever possible.
“That included a specific focus on making better use of theatre capacity that was not in active operation and where HSC activity isn’t being delivered, for example, at evenings and weekends or where services have not been commissioned. I would much rather see our hospital theatres leased to independent providers to treat HSC patients than see them lying empty and patients forced to dwell on a waiting list for even longer.
“The South West Acute Hospital is a brilliant facility and a major asset for the region within the HSC estate. It would be a major disservice to the unacceptable numbers of people on a hospital list, but especially those experiencing daily pain and discomfort whilst waiting on a hip replacement, if we were not to seek to utilise the empty theatre and ward space there.
“I was delighted therefore that in only its first week the partnership saw 21 new hips delivered, with more full theatre lists planned for the days and weeks ahead. Whilst this is only one of many initiatives, these are genuinely life-changing procedures for the patients that benefit from them.
“These are operations for health service patients funded by the health service. Every procedure matters and it’s a small step in the right direction every single time we get a person off a waiting list.
“Tackling our waiting lists is a major priority for me, and in sourcing additional capacity whilst still demonstrating value for public money in association with a major focus on increasing HSC capacity, will realistically be a part of that.”
The Chief Executive of the Western Trust, Mr Neil Guckian stated:
“The Western Trust’s South West Acute Hospital has state-of-the-art theatre facilities and is well equipped to support such important regional initiatives. We are delighted to be supporting the work through uncommissioned ward and theatre facilities at the hospital which will see a significant number of procedures completed. This is a fantastic partnership which helps to tackle lengthy waiting lists and we are looking forward to working closely with the Health and Social Care Board and the various providers over the coming weeks.”
If successful, this initiative will be carried into the next year to help alleviate long waiting times.
17/01/2022: Temporary Visiting Restrictions for Western Trust Hospitals and Facilities eased to once per week
There remains a continued high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community and, while pressures including staff absences also continue to be a challenge, the Western Trust understand the significant importance that visiting patients in our hospitals provides.
Therefore, from 6pm on Monday 17 January, there will be an initial easing of temporary visiting restrictions, across our hospital sites and facilities, which will now allow for one visit per week per patient. In order to ensure the continued safety of our patients, staff and families attending there is further important information to be considered by anyone visiting our hospitals or facilities – see details below.
Temporary Visiting Restrictions from Monday 17 January 2022
- One Visitor (from 2 nominees) is permitted to visit for one hour, once per week.
- The visiting week referred to will run from Monday 17 January (after 6pm) to Sunday 23 January 2022.
- The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly encourage and strongly advise that anyone attending any of our facilities for visiting a loved one, to take a lateral flow test prior to attending.
- All infection and prevention control measures MUST be adhered to when attending any Western Trust hospital or facility and this includes wearing a facemask at all times.
- Based on Covid-19 risk assessments, it is important to note that some areas in our hospitals or facilities may be temporarily subject to not allowing any visits to occur, eg. where there is presently a Covid-19 outbreak. Therefore, prior to attending the hospital or facility it is recommended that you check with the Ward Manager for where you hope to visit.
- Depending on the continued high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community, all temporary measures are subject to review.
- A review of the temporary Visiting Guidance Restrictions will take place again on Monday 24 January 2022.
In addition, there will also continue to be exceptional circumstances where visiting on a more regular basis is permitted. For further information, please refer to the Trust website – click here.
Furthermore, these temporary visiting restrictions do not apply to birthing partners attending appointments to maternity services and full details of maternity arrangements are on the Trust Website – click here.
We would encourage you to keep in contact with your loved ones via Virtual Visiting arrangements. You can continue to arrange a ‘virtual visit’ with your relative or friend on a smartphone or tablet. Our hospitals have access to free Wi-Fi and our staff can help set this up. Please be patient as there continues to be significant staffing pressures at present and our staff will have to prioritise clinical work and patient care at this very busy time.
The Trust acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for everyone but we continue to act in your best interest and the best interest of your relative/friend in hospital. We ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times. There have been incidents where our staff have received verbal abuse and harassment and we would ask everyone to please refrain from such behaviour and remind everyone that we operate a zero tolerance policy towards abuse across our Trust.
We would like to thank the public for their cooperation in relation to these essential recent changes to our visiting arrangements. Your support helps us to provide safer care for your relatives and friends who are currently in hospital.
- Updated Visiting Guidance and specific information is provided on the Western Trust Website specific page here
REVIEW in one week: The Trust will meet to review the visiting arrangements again on Monday 24 January 2022 and a further update will be provided following that review.
11/01/2022: Visiting Restrictions to continue temporarily for Western Trust Hospitals and Facilities
Due to the unprecedented high level of COVID-19 transmission in the community and the continued pressures on our hospitals, with significant staff absences due to COVID-19, the temporary visiting restrictions implemented across our hospital sites and facilities in December will continue until further notice.
There will continue to be exceptional circumstances where visiting will be permitted and you can click here to find out more in respect of this.
It again should be noted that the new visiting restrictions does not apply to birthing partners attending appointments to maternity services and full details of maternity arrangements can again be found here on the Trust Website.
We would encourage you to keep in contact with your loved ones via Virtual Visiting arrangements. You can continue to arrange a ‘virtual visit’ with your relative or friend on a smartphone or tablet. Our hospitals have access to free Wi-Fi and our staff can help set this up. Please be patient as there continues to be significant staffing pressures at present and our staff will have to prioritise clinical work and patient care at this very busy time.
The Trust acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for everyone. However we continue to act in your best interest and the best interest of your relative/friend in hospital. We ask that you continue to work with us and please respect our staff and the guidance they give you at all times.
We would like to thank the public for their cooperation in relation to these essential recent changes to our visiting arrangements. Your support helps us to provide safer care for your relatives and friends who are currently in hospital.
- Updated Visiting Guidance and specific information is provided on the Western Trust Website specific page here
The Trust will meet to review the visiting arrangements again on Monday 17 January 2022 and a further update will be provided following that review.
10/01/2022: Update on Vaccination Programme
It should be noted that the numbers attending the Trust’s Mass Vaccination Centres has reduced considerably and there has been a similar pattern across the region. Your support in helping to share/promote the Trust’s messaging would be greatly appreciated in helping to get the hugely important message out to the public.
The full schedule for the Mass Vaccination Centres is publicised until 17 January 2021.
Please note – Foyle Arena is closed this Saturday 8 January 2022 and the Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen, will be closed from after 5pm on Saturday 8 January as the Fermanagh & Omagh Council area site moves back to Omagh Leisure Centre (opening from Monday 10 January from 12pm)
Mass Vaccination Centres
Foyle Arena Omagh Leisure Complex Lakeland Forum Tues 4/1/22 12.00pm – 8.00pm CLOSED CLOSED Wed 5/1/22 9.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED 9.00am – 5.00pm Thurs 6/1/22 9.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED 9.00am – 5.00pm Fri 7/1/22 9.00am – 8.00pm CLOSED 9.00am – 8.00pm Sat 8/1/22 CLOSED CLOSED 9.00am – 5.00pm Sun 9/1/22 9.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED CLOSED Mon 10/1/22 9.00am – 5.00pm 12.00pm – 8.00pm CLOSED Tues 11/1/22 CLOSED 9.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED Wed 12/1/22 12.00pm – 8.00pm 9.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED Thurs 13/1/22 9.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED CLOSED Fri 14/1/22 9.00am – 5.00pm 9.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED Sat 15/1/22 9.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED CLOSED Sun 16/1/22 CLOSED 9.00am – 5.00pm CLOSED Other key points:
- The level of staffing at our Mass Vaccination Centres has had to be scaled back where possible to help address staff shortages in other essential services. It is important to note this has not had any negative impact on ability to facilitate members of the public seeking vaccination.
- Over the next few weeks the Western Trust will also be running a model where both the Mass Vaccination Centres AND Mobile Vaccine Clinics will be in operation (See mobile clinic timetable below). The initial planning is for Mobile Clinics to be placed in areas which worked well previously and are part of low uptake areas and these will also continue to be reviewed.
- There does remain a concern in particular with the level of Covid Booster uptake amongst those aged 50+
- In the week ahead, we will be highlighting targeted communications to Age 12-15 year olds encouraging them to book their next vaccine dose as it is anticipated that the return to school will lead to high levels of transmission amongst this group.
- The next cohort to be vaccinated will be the aged 5-11 year olds who are considered “at risk” – further plans on this to be released in the coming weeks. This will be facilitated by Trusts with letters being issued from GPs to eligible children.
Below is the next schedule of Mobile Vaccine Clinics planned. Due to limited availability for the Mobile Vaccine Clinics we would continue to encourage anyone, where possible, to book and attend the Mass Vaccination Centres listed above to receive your relevant Vaccine – 1st, 2nd or Booster.
Upcoming Mobile Vaccine Clinics Date Times Venue Dosage Wednesday 5th 4pm to 8pm Limavady Leisure Centre 1st, 2nd, Booster Tuesday 11th 4pm to 8pm Shantallow Community Centre 1st, 2nd, Booster Thursday 13th 4pm to 8pm Castlederg Healthy Living Centre 1st, 2nd, Booster Tuesday 18th 4pm to 8pm Alley Theatre, Strabane 1st, 2nd, Booster Wednesday 19th 4pm to 8pm Derrygonnelly Community Centre 1st, 2nd, Booster Thursday 20th 4pm to 8pm Long Tower Youth Club 1st, 2nd, Booster Tuesday 25th 4pm to 8pm Patrician Hall, Carrickmore TBC 1st, 2nd, Booster Thursday 27th 4pm to 8pm Dromore 1st, 2nd, Booster Tuesday 1st Feb 4pm to 8pm Diamond centre, Claudy 1st, 2nd, Booster
07/01/2022: Chief Executives Report to Trust Board
Click Here for latest Report to Trust Board (6 January 2021) from Chief Executive, Neil Guckian.
06/01/2022: Update on Neonatal Services in South West Acute Hospital
Following the Trust’s briefing to MLAs and MPs (information provided to Public Representatives on Friday 3 December 2021) please note the following updated information in respect of the continued pressures on Neonatal Services at SWAH.
- The Neonatal Unit at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) is commissioned for 6 special care cots. Due to our current staffing crisis, we can only provide emergency care to babies born in SWAH and provide stabilisation and transfer to another Neonatal unit for ongoing specialist care if required. Subsequently we are maintaining 2 cots to permit this.
- The Neonatal Unit currently provides emergency care to babies, stabilisation for those that need transfer to another unit for ongoing care and babies who require a short period of special care are cared for at SWAH between the neonatal unit and maternity.
- Any baby that requires ongoing neonatal care will be assessed and those that require short term care can remain on the unit. However those that require a higher level of care will be transferred to another unit. A total of 6 babies were transferred to other neonatal units during the period 1/10/21 – 31/12/21. It should be pointed out that all of these babies required a higher level of care and would always have been transferred accordingly, regardless of the current situation.
- As advised previously the staffing situation within Neonatal at South West Acute Hospital has been and remains a concern. Whilst the management team (with senior HR input) continue to actively try to recruit, we have to date been unsuccessful in attracting and employing trained/ experienced neonatal nurses to work in Enniskillen. We recognise that this is a regional and a national issue and this has been escalated to the Neonatal Network NI, PHA and HSCB.
- The staffing crisis has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and short term sick leave, with the Western Trust currently enduring significant staffing pressures across all services.
- We recognise that parents/families may have to travel long distances if a women or baby is admitted to another unit in N. Ireland. Staff in neonatal and maternity will communicate to families who are affected and keep them informed.
Public Representative’s Online Hub Archive: Public Representatives | Western Health & Social Care Trust (hscni.net)
We would also ask that you continue to stay tuned to and share our regular official updates published on our Website and Social Media Channels on the following links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube