14/10/2026
The Western Health and Social Care Trust Board has launched a public information leaflet aimed at encouraging people across Fermanagh and West Tyrone to help shape the future of health and care services in the area.
As part of the campaign, more than 60,000 information leaflets have been distributed to households across Fermanagh and West Tyrone, providing residents with detailed information on the Trust’s Health and Care Futures programme, the extensive engagement undertaken to date, current services, future challenges and opportunities, and the significant investment being made in local health and social care services.
The launch comes as the Trust enters the final weeks of its formal engagement phase, which has been extended until 31 October 2026 to give as many people as possible the opportunity to have their say. To date, the Trust has undertaken more than 100 engagement meetings, workshops and stakeholder sessions involving staff, service users, carers, community and voluntary organisations, elected representatives, business groups and local residents.
Speaking at Trust Board, Brian Telford, Vice-Chair of the Western Trust Board, said:
“Over recent months we have listened carefully to a wide range of voices from across Fermanagh and West Tyrone. The level of engagement has been significant, positive and constructive. However, this is a conversation that belongs to everyone and we want to ensure that every person has the opportunity to take part.”“The delivery of more than 60,000 information leaflets to homes across the area represents one of the biggest public information exercises undertaken by the Trust. We want people to read the information, understand the challenges and opportunities ahead, and most importantly tell us what matters most to them. Their views will help inform the development of a long-term Vision for future health and care services.”
Karen Hargan, Chief Executive of the Western Trust, provides a clear message in the leaflet outlining the importance of developing a future Vision that is informed by local people and supported by evidence, workforce planning, population health needs and future demand for services.
The Trust is now making a final appeal for people to complete the engagement questionnaire and share their feedback before the formal engagement period closes.
Karen Hargan said:
“We have dedicated significant time and effort to listening to communities, staff and stakeholders across Fermanagh and West Tyrone. Now we want to hear from even more people. Whether you are a patient, service user, carer, member of staff, family member or local resident, your voice matters.”“No final Vision has been agreed. The feedback we receive over the coming weeks will play an important role in helping shape the future direction of health and care services for generations to come. This is your opportunity to influence that conversation.”
Staff Engagement And Advisory Group Members With Information Leaflet
Professor Monica Monaghan, Clinical Lead at South West acute Hospital and Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex, is Joint Chair of the Staff Engagement and Advisory Group, and said:
“The Staff Engagement and Advisory Group has been involved throughout this process and has seen first-hand the scale of engagement that has taken place across Fermanagh and West Tyrone. The quality of discussion, feedback and challenge from staff, communities, service users and stakeholders has been invaluable.”
“Developing a Vision for the future of health and care services cannot be achieved through assumptions. It must be informed by evidence, local knowledge and the lived experiences of those who use and deliver services every day. Through the engagement sessions and the continued sharing of information and updates, we are building a much richer understanding of the issues that matter most to people.”
“As we enter the final weeks of formal engagement, it is important that as many people as possible take the opportunity to participate. Every response helps strengthen the evidence base and insights that will ultimately support the development of a clear and sustainable Vision for health and social care in Fermanagh and West Tyrone.”
The formal engagement programme closes on 31 October 2026, with details on how to participate available through the Trust’s Health and Care Futures information hub and engagement questionnaire.
Have your say by completing the short Engagement Questionnaire:
Complete the Engagement Questionnaire
Find out more about the programme, the work underway and how you can get involved:
Fermanagh and West Tyrone Information Hub