A Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA has called for a clear timeline to restore emergency general surgery at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.

Sinn Féin’s Jemma Dolan wrote to the Health Minister after a Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority inspection found continuing problems with the temporary services put in place since surgery was moved to Altnagelvin Hospital in 2023.

The RQIA report noted that emergency surgery pathways need more consistent application, risk management processes require strengthening, and auditing of patient outcomes must be more comprehensive. Inspectors also highlighted weaknesses in staff communication, engagement, and governance arrangements.

Ms Dolan stated that the report confirms temporary measures have persisted for too long, and that while some progress has been made, significant issues remain around staffing pressures, communication, and the monitoring of patient outcomes.

The inspection did acknowledge improvements since an earlier review in 2025. The Western Trust reported that 97 per cent of patients transferred from Enniskillen to Altnagelvin are now admitted directly to a surgical bed once a decision to admit is made. The authority also noted the recruitment of a full surgical staff complement and a range of audits to support service quality.

RQIA Chief Executive Briege Donaghy said assessing safety requires multiple systems and learning mechanisms to sustain a culture of effectiveness.

The MLA’s letter asks the minister what steps are being taken to ensure resources, workforce planning, and infrastructure are in place for a long-term solution, and calls for a clear pathway to bring emergency surgery back to the South West Acute Hospital.