An independent review confirms a 24% reduction in mortality rates for emergency general surgery patients in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area from December 2022 to April 2025. Complications dropped 28.5% and re-admissions fell 22.5% over the 2-year-5-month period, according to the January 2026 CHKS analysis.

The review describes the mortality decline as clear and statistically significant following changes to surgical services. Western Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian stated the evidence marks a clinically meaningful survival improvement. He noted patient safety prompted the temporary suspension of services and that outcomes have since advanced.

The Trust meets revised Department of Health standards for emergency general surgery, set in June 2022, to provide specialist care across Northern Ireland. Guckian highlighted the Trust's duty to maintain safe and sustainable services yielding optimal patient results, amid ongoing community sensitivity.

At South West Acute Hospital, 5.6 patients daily with emergency general surgery issues now receive same-day or next-day care via the Emergency Surgical Ambulatory Assessment Unit. Another 2.5 patients per day transfer to Altnagelvin Hospital for admission.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will discuss the report findings at its meeting on Tuesday evening.