Motion: Restoration of Emergency General Surgery

Council reiterates its position seeking the urgent restoration of Emergency General Surgery (EGS) at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

Council further commends the work of Save Our Acute Services, whose evidence-based campaign since December 2022 has consistently argued for the restoration of a sustainable emergency general surgery service at SWAH and for the protection of rural acute services in the South West.

Council notes that the Western Trust has stated that it now has a full complement of surgeons, and further notes that the recent RQIA inspection report highlighted continuing concerns around the pressure and risks associated with the current pathways. Council places on record its strong support for frontline staff managing these arrangements.

Restoring this vital service is now a matter of political will, commissioning intent and funding priority for the Department of Health and the wider Executive.

Council therefore resolves to write to the Minister of Health, Mike Nesbitt, to request that he personally intervene to initiate a newly commissioned and sustainable EGS service, including all necessary clinical interdependencies, at SWAH, aligned with the standards in the Review of General Surgery 2022, and to set out a clear timetable for delivery.