Health Minister Robbie Butler has stated that the suspension of emergency general surgery at South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen remains temporary. He said any permanent changes would require public consultation and his approval.

Mr Butler made the remarks in the Assembly in response to questions from Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew, who asked how local communities would be consulted on future healthcare changes at the hospital.

Mr Gildernew criticised previous consultation processes around changes to services at SWAH, calling them inadequate and shambolic. He referred to consultation exercises after the collapse of emergency services, saying a predecessor had to pause a move and it was finally shut down.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA asked what steps would be taken to ensure future consultations reflected the views and needs of local communities.

Mr Butler stressed that no permanent decision had been taken on the future of emergency general surgery at the hospital. He said the temporary suspension remains in place and it is important people know the suspension is temporary.

The Minister said the Western Trust was engaging with staff, patients and the wider community as it developed longer-term plans. Any proposals for permanent change must follow Department guidance, including appropriate consultation and assurance, and would require his approval.

Mr Butler highlighted the importance of direct engagement with local communities, referencing a visit to SWAH shortly after taking up the role. He said he will meet people face to face to gain their confidence.

The Minister said healthcare reform should be carried out in partnership with local communities. He said health provision should be done with people rather than to them.

Mr Butler said he respected clinical advice but any proposed service changes must clearly demonstrate improved outcomes for patients and be properly explained to the public.

He added that wider pressures on the health service, including an ageing population, increasing demand and resource constraints, continued to create challenges across Northern Ireland. He pointed to the development of a neighbourhood model of care as a potential way to ease pressure on hospital services.

While Mr Butler reiterated that no permanent decision has been taken on emergency general surgery at SWAH, he gave no indication of when the suspended service might return.