A local health campaign group has met with the leader of the Alliance Party last week to discuss the ongoing issues at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

Naomi Long, and South Belfast MLA, Paula Bradshaw, were in Enniskillen last week with Mrs. Long describing the meeting with Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) as “useful and helpful”.

The meeting came a day after Mrs. Long said on BBC’s ‘The View’ programme that she would rather travel extra miles to have treatment in a timely fashion, with her comment met with criticism online.

Commenting on the meeting with the Alliance representatives, a SOAS spokesperson said: “SOAS have always engaged with every political party. We represent an entire community.

“We have consistently kept the public updated with information which we believe is relevant to our campaign.”

SOAS shared the clip of Mrs. Long on The View and the spokesperson said they share media clips from many sources that relate to their campaign.

“SOAS agrees with the leader of the Alliance Party that we do not need a ‘hospital and a centre on every corner’.

“Patient safety is a vital consideration. The average travel time for all Fermanagh people to Altnagelvin is 113 minutes – that’s almost two hours. This is simply not safe.

“SOAS will continue to repost any commentary that undermines the significance of travel time on outcomes related to urgent and emergency care.

“We also agree with the Alliance Party when they state that any reform must lead to safe and affordable care.

“The SOAS Five-Point Plan details how the SWAH can deliver safe and affordable care to this region.”

Mrs. Long said they were grateful for the meeting with SOAS representatives last Friday. “It was useful and helpful for providing local input into the ongoing discussion about the SWAH.

“They raised some concerns with us; we are now going to follow up with the Western Trust and the Department of Health.

“Local people need reassurances around the future of acute services for the people of Enniskillen and surrounding communities.”