New medical trainees who are completing their foundation studies across the Western Trust have been welcomed at a reception hosted by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
The trainees will take up a variety of posts across the Trust, including at the South West Acute Hospital, the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital and within GP practices across the area.
Recruitment of medical professionals across the Trust area has been a key issue for those in the West, one which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Council chair Errol Thompson welcomed the batch of trainees at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen.
“I would like to extend a particularly warm welcome to the new medical trainees who have come to the district to undertake and complete their foundation training programme in South West Acute Hospital, Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital and within GP practices across the Western Trust,” Cllr Thompson said.
“We are very fortunate in our district that we possess two modern state-of-the-art hospital facilities where you can hone your skills and gain experience in your chosen field. This is augmented by the psychiatry facilities at Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital.
“The next few years here in Fermanagh will provide you with an excellent grounding in your medical careers where you will receive excellent support from across the range of healthcare professionals already working here.”
Cllr Thompson added the healthcare system has faced severe challenges in the last 18 months, but said there are signs that the impact of the pandemic is easing.
He also encouraged the incoming trainees to consider returning to the district when they have finished their training.
“The Covid pandemic has greatly impacted the way we work, socialise and do business over the past 18 months and nowhere has that impact been more keenly felt than in the provision of healthcare," he said.
“However, things are looking more positive and slowly but surely, the success of the vaccination programme in restricting the impact of Covid-19 on the general population and the consequent reduction in hospitalisations will hopefully allow us to return to some sort of normality.
“In South West Acute Hospital and Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex, we possess within the confines of the Fermanagh and Omagh district, two of the most modern medical facilities in the country and we are incredibly proud of the hospitals and the dedicated staff who work so selflessly to ensure that the people of our district get the best possible level of healthcare.
"I am confident that you will enjoy your time with us in the district and I would encourage you to consider returning to the South West Acute Hospital and to the district when you complete your training and continue the wonderful tradition of service by the medical profession to our hospitals and community. "
