The Western Health Trust has begun a structured public engagement programme to influence the future of health services at the South West Acute Hospital and across the Fermanagh and west Tyrone region.

The initiative follows approval by the Trust Board and aims to produce a vision that integrates hospital and community-based care for a growing and changing population, with an emphasis on safety, sustainability and quality.

Western Trust Chief Executive Karen Hargan said the work is intended to create a clear and ambitious plan reflecting the views of people who use and deliver services. She described the engagement as meaningful, inclusive and transparent, giving staff, local communities, partners and elected representatives a chance to share experiences and suggest improvements.

A preliminary listening exercise ran from October 2025 to May 2026, involving discussions with staff, public representatives, local councils, the Department of Health, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group, the Public Health Agency and other stakeholder organisations.

The current phase will be delivered in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council through existing community planning structures. The Trust will also continue engaging with key stakeholders, including groups designated under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act.

Feedback from the engagement will be analysed and presented to the Trust Board from November 2026 to guide the final vision and subsequent implementation steps.

Further details are available on the Western Trust’s online information hub.