06/07/2026
The Western Trust has completed an extensive programme of engagement with staff, stakeholders and partners ahead of the next phase of work to develop a new Vision for future health and care services across Fermanagh and West Tyrone.
The Trust has now launched a formal programme of public engagement, running from June to September 2026, building on more than eight months of preparatory engagement, listening events and information sessions held between October 2025 and June 2026.
During that period, the Trust delivered more than 80 engagement meetings, briefings and information sessions involving staff, trade unions, elected representatives, local councils, the Department of Health, Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), Public Health Agency, Patient and Client Council and a wide range of community and voluntary organisations.
Western Trust Chief Executive Karen Hargan said:
“This is about developing a clear, long-term Vision for health and care services in Fermanagh and West Tyrone, shaped by the people who use our services, deliver our care and support our communities every day.
“Since October last year, we have undertaken an extensive programme of preparatory engagement with staff, elected representatives, statutory organisations, community groups and key stakeholders. That work has helped inform how we approach this next phase and ensure the engagement process is open, inclusive and accessible.
“We are now inviting everyone with an interest in the future of health and care services across Fermanagh and West Tyrone to have their say. We want to understand what matters most to local people, what is working well and where they believe change is needed.”
The Vision will consider the future of health and care services across the whole of Fermanagh and West Tyrone, including South West Acute Hospital, recognising the important role of hospital, community, primary and social care services in meeting the needs of a changing and growing population.
The Trust has also expanded its online information hub, providing clear information on the Vision programme, the current position regarding Emergency General Surgery and the wide range of services delivered across the Western Trust every day.
The current engagement programme is not a public consultation. Instead, it is a structured programme of engagement designed to gather views, experiences and ideas from staff, local communities, service users, carers and partner organisations before the Vision is developed further.
Throughout the summer and into the autumn, the Trust will continue to engage with local communities through a range of opportunities, including community events, hospital and GP sites, local venues and public spaces across Fermanagh and West Tyrone. Online engagement webinars will also be held, providing opportunities for people to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.
People can also participate at a time that suits them by completing the online questionnaire through NI Direct Citizen Space.
Further detail and information will follow and be available on the Western Trust website.
To view the full programme of pre-engagement activity undertaken between October 2025 and June 2026, visit: Engagement Information | Western Health & Social Care Trust
The online questionnaire is available at: Health Care Futures – Fermanagh & West Tyrone – NI Direct – Citizen Space