About Us
Who we are and what we do.
Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) was established in October 2022 with the mission to advocate for the retention and improvement of acute healthcare services in the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) and across the region. As a fully volunteer-led initiative, SOAS has tirelessly worked to hold authorities accountable and ensure equitable healthcare access for the people of Fermanagh and surrounding areas.
Our Mission
We strive to represent the voices of the community by advocating for fair and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our commitment includes providing evidence-based arguments, engaging with policymakers, and fostering public participation in the fight to secure essential medical services.
We envision a sustainable and robust South West Acute Hospital, where all residents have timely access to critical healthcare services. Together, we can ensure Fermanagh is never forgotten and that our community receives the care it deserves.
How we work
SOAS operates through two dedicated committees:
Community Committee
Focuses on public engagement by organising events, responding to consultations, and rallying community support.
Executive Committee
Conducts in-depth research, gathers critical information (including Freedom of Information requests), and presents findings to decision-makers.
What we do
Our efforts include:
- Collecting and analysing data from healthcare bodies, such as the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
- Meeting with stakeholders, including political leaders, healthcare experts, and regulatory agencies.
- Submitting comprehensive responses to consultations, such as a detailed 45-page plan addressing the removal of surgery services from SWAH.
- Recording and reporting over 310 patient cases to highlight the gaps in healthcare provision.
- Advocating for better healthcare policies through public meetings, research presentations, and ongoing dialogue with government agencies.
Our Achievements
Since our inception, we have:
- Secured over 30,286 individual responses to WHSCT consultation on “temporary removal of Emergency Surgery from SWAH supporting our plans for healthcare reform.
- Presented evidence at council meetings and public health consultations, earning recognition as a “trusted source.”
- Collaborated with institutions such as Ulster University, Rural Community Network and human rights experts to strengthen our advocacy.
- Played a key role in launching the RQIA review of inadequate patient pathways in the region.
Get Involved
SOAS is a collective effort, and we need your voice. Whether you’re a patient, healthcare worker, or concerned citizen, your support can make a difference.
Join us by:
- Attending our public meetings.
- Make contact with us if you feel that you have time to help SOAS work.
- Volunteering with our community campaigns.
- Sharing your experiences to ensure that WHSCT and Department of Health cannot imply that there are no adverse effects for us on their pathways.
