Helen Hamill, a musician and teacher from Enniskillen, has become a central figure in the campaign to retain acute services at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). Hamill, who spent decades teaching music and working with the BBC, now chairs weekly meetings of the Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) campaign from her kitchen table.

Hamill's involvement in health campaigning began after her own serious illness. In December 2013, she underwent eight hours of brain surgery to address an abnormality at the base of her brain. The operation, which took place on her 25th wedding anniversary, led to complications including meningitis and a further procedure to insert a shunt to drain excess brain fluid. She spent months in hospital recovering.

Following her recovery, Hamill became involved in various local health campaigns, including those related to autism provision, stroke services and maternity services. The SOAS campaign, however, has become a constant focus since the temporary removal of emergency general surgery at SWAH in November 2022.

The campaign involves regular committee meetings on Monday nights for two and a half hours, year-round, as well as ongoing engagement with media and politicians. Hamill emphasises the need to work with politicians, something she says she learned through this campaign.

Hamill argues that Fermanagh, with 3.3 per cent of Northern Ireland's population, is being treated unjustly compared with other counties. She believes the fight is about ensuring future generations have the same access to life-saving treatment as people elsewhere in the region.

Away from campaigning, Hamill remains active in music through the Caritas Choir, which brings together people of different generations, including teenagers and octogenarians. She says the choir provides enjoyment and connection, even as the campaign continues.