'Bringin’ SWAH to Stormont' - Campaigners Push Hospital Bed to Stormont
Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) Campaign event
Save Our Acute Services (SOAS), the group campaigning for the return of emergency surgery to Enniskillen's South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) has organised a rally and bed push at Stormont Steps.
The event will assemble at the gates of Stormont on Monday, February 23, at 10.30am, moving to the steps of Stormont at 11.00am.
Emergency surgery was removed from the hospital on a ‘temporary’ basis in December 2022.
Campaign spokesperson Donal O’Cofaigh said the Fermanagh community was bringing "concerns to Stormont to brief MLAs on the background, scale, and concerns of the SOAS campaign".
"This mobilisation is “bringing SWAH to Stormont” because Rural Lives are at Risk and where you live should not determine if you die," added Mr O'Cofaigh.
"SOAS representatives expect significant attendance, including members of farming groups, trade unions, education representatives, disability advocates, sports clubs, and local clergy.
"SOAS argues that the continued suspension of EGS (emergency general surgery) is placing rural lives at risk and undermining the sustainability of wider acute services at SWAH.
"We have more than 180,000 statements of support from people and organisations right across Northern Ireland – they have supported SOAS’s campaign in various ways since the decision to remove emergency general surgery was taken in 2022. We will walk from the Gates starting at 10.30am. We are inviting MLAs to join us on the steps of Stormont at 11am to support our campaign to restore EGS to the SWAH.
"We invite all members of the media to attend. SOAS Members will be available for interview on the day," said Mr O'Cofaigh.