Moving to the South West Acute Hospital
21/06/2012
Thursday 21 June 2012 was a momentus day for the Western Trust and staff of the Erne Hospital and the climax of 7 years of planning and working towards opeing the new South West Acute Hospital.
In the space of around 7 hours, 78 patients were successfully re-located from the Erne Hospital to single ensuite rooms in the spectacular new South West Acute Hospital. The move commenced just before 7am and involved a dedicated fleet of ambulances and their crew; nursing, medical and support staff; and volunteers.
At 7am the theatres, critical care and emergency department were opened in the South West Hospital and the Erne was closed for all future admissions. The remaining South West Acute Hospital wards were all fully functional by 10.15am. The first baby boy was delivered at 10.29am, weighing 8lbs 8ozs to proud mum Lisa McGuinness and the first emergency surgical operation was completed shortly after 9am.
Today was accumulation of 7 years of planning, development, consultation, construction and commissioning. The successful and smooth transfer of patients and services to the South West Acute Hospital was a considerable achievement, surpassing the anticipated timescales and was only possible due to the tremendous committment and dedication of staff and the assistance of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff who assisted the move every step of the way.
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