NHS South West Acute Hospital Live A&E Waiting Times
Also known as: South West Acute Hospital, SWAH, SWAH Enniskillen, Enniskillen Hospital, South West Acute A&E
Last updated sourced from Western Health and Social Care Trust
Hospital details
Enniskillen, BT74 6DN
About South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen
The South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) is a 210-bed acute hospital on Irvinestown Road in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, operated by the Western Health and Social Care Trust. It is one of nine acute hospitals in Northern Ireland and the only acute and Emergency Department site for Fermanagh and west Tyrone, serving a rural cross-border catchment that extends into the Republic of Ireland. The 24/7 Emergency Department treats critically ill and major trauma patients alongside acute medicine, consultant-led maternity, paediatrics, intensive care, outpatient and elective surgery, oncology day care and a full diagnostic imaging service. Important: Emergency General Surgery has been suspended at SWAH since 18 December 2022 due to consultant staffing pressures, with patients requiring emergency general surgery transferred to Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry; the Western Trust ended its public consultation on the permanent removal of the service in October 2025 and is developing a long-term plan. Current South West Acute Hospital A&E waiting times are tracked here in real time, sourced from the NIdirect average ED waiting-times feed and the Western Trust.
Emergency Department (A&E)
The Emergency Department at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen serves Fermanagh and the wider south west. It treats serious or life-threatening conditions. For non-life-threatening urgent problems use the Phone First service or call 111. In a true emergency, call 999.
Departments & Services
- Emergency Department (24/7)
- Acute Medicine
- Consultant-Led Maternity
- Paediatrics
- Intensive Care
- Stroke Services
- Cardiology
- Renal Services
- Oncology Day Care
- Elective Surgery (planned)
Recent Wait Time Updates
| Date & Time | Wait Time | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 25 Apr01:51 | 297 mins | +25% |
| Sat 25 Apr00:51 | 237 mins | +14% |
| Fri 24 Apr23:51 | 208 mins | +11% |
| Fri 24 Apr22:51 | 187 mins | +110% |
| Fri 24 Apr21:51 | 89 mins | ±2.3% |
Nearest A&E alternatives
See live A&E wait times at other NHS hospitals near South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen
How South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen compares to nearby hospitals
Within Northern Ireland, South West Acute Hospital is one of several urgent and emergency care sites and sits inside the wider Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSC) performance framework. National waiting-time data is published by the Department of Health Northern Ireland against the Department of Health (Northern Ireland) standard that 95% of patients are treated and discharged or admitted within four hours; live snapshots on this page are sourced separately from the trust's own published feeds, so the figures here can be more current than the headline national release.
For Enniskillen residents, the practical question is rarely "is South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen fast?" but "compared to what?" Wait times at any single site can swing materially within a day, depending on staffing, ambulance arrivals and how full the wider hospital is. The nearest-alternatives section above lists the closest comparable sites, each with their own current wait — that side-by-side comparison is more useful than any single-site average.
For non-life-threatening issues, residents in Enniskillen and surrounding Northern Ireland may also have access to a Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre with shorter waits for less serious conditions. Phone First (or 111 in some areas) can confirm the appropriate service for your specific need before you travel.
South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen A&E — frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about waiting times and visiting this A&E.
What is the average A&E waiting time at South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen?
As of the latest update, the current A&E wait at South West Acute Hospital is 298 minutes (about 4 hr 58 min). This figure is labelled "Live" — see the freshness badge next to the wait number for the exact source and timestamp. Wait times fluctuate throughout the day, so this may not be the exact time you wait.
What time is South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen A&E least busy?
Across most UK A&E departments, the quietest period is typically between 4am and 7am, with a secondary lull around mid-morning on weekdays. Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Monday mornings, generally see the longest waits. Check the Wait History above to see the recent trends for South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen.
Is there a way to check A&E wait times for South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen?
Yes, you can check the live A&E waiting times for South West Acute Hospital right here on this page. We update this data regularly based on the information provided by Western Health and Social Care Trust.
How long can South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen A&E make you wait?
the Department of Health (HSC NI) sets a target to admit, transfer, or discharge 95% of patients within 4 hours of arrival at A&E. However, wait times can be longer depending on the severity of your condition and how busy the department is. Patients with life-threatening emergencies are always prioritised.
How often are wait times updated at South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen?
The wait times for South West Acute Hospital are updated based on the data feed from Western Health and Social Care Trust. The exact time of the last update is shown at the top of this page.
What does 'Current Longest Wait Time' mean at South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen?
The 'Current Longest Wait Time' typically refers to the longest time any non-admitted patient has been waiting to be seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner after arriving at the A&E department. It gives an indication of the maximum wait you might experience for non-life-threatening conditions.
Is South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen A&E open 24 hours?
Yes. The A&E department at South West Acute Hospital is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you have a life-threatening emergency, go directly to A&E or call 999. For non-urgent medical concerns out of hours, please contact your GP out-of-hours service. NHS 111 is being rolled out across Northern Ireland but is not yet available in all areas.
How do I get to South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen?
South West Acute Hospital is located at 124 Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen, BT74 6DN. The A&E entrance is usually clearly signposted on arrival. If you need to contact them before travelling, the hospital switchboard is +44 2866 382000.