12 December 2025
SDLP Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Group Leader Councillor Adam Gannon has said the appointment of a new Chief Executive of the Western Trust must mark a change in approach to the future of the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).
He was speaking after current Chief Executive Neil Guckian announced his retirement.
Councillor Gannon said:
“The appointment of a new Chief Executive presents an opportunity for the Western Trust to reset its relationship with communities in this area. In recent years we have seen the removal of emergency general surgery and the scaling back of other services which has left many people feeling unheard and ignored.
“The new trust chief must commit to visiting this area, meeting campaigners and the public. The Save Our Acute Services group has brought forward a number of constructive proposals in its roadmap document and I would strongly encourage meaningful engagement with that work.
“People here are realistic. The SDLP supports health service transformation but that cannot mean rural areas are left behind while others can access care on their doorstep. This is a real opportunity to rebuild trust between the Western Trust leadership and this community and it must not be wasted.”