Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) started a legal challenge at the High Court in Belfast. The case involves preliminary consideration on the removal of emergency general surgery from South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Fermanagh.

SOAS seeks to have the service reinstated at SWAH. The group demands that the Stormont Executive fund and commission a sustainable emergency surgery service there. They view this as a budget priority.

SOAS plans to continue legal action and political efforts until the services return. The group held protests in Enniskillen and outside Stormont in recent months.

SOAS spokesperson Donal O’Cofaigh stated that no clinical barriers block restoring emergency surgery at SWAH. He said the matter comes down to funding and political commitment. O’Cofaigh noted that the High Court process shows their legal case advancing. He called for urgent political and funding resolutions.

O’Cofaigh added that lack of emergency surgery endangers the local population daily. He described delays in commissioning the service as a denial of basic human rights.