Catholic and Protestant bishops have joined voices to save an emergency clinic from closure in Enniskillen.

Rt Rev Dr Ian Ellis, the Church of Ireland’s Bishop of Clogher, and Most Rev Larry Duffy, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher, have issued a joint statement expressing “deep concern” at the proposed closure of the emergency surgery at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

They echoed concerns already raised by the Fermanagh Christian Leaders Fraternal, that vulnerable patients are unable to travel to the next-nearest emergency unit in Londonderry.

“We live in one of the most remote parts of NI and believe our communities have a right to equal treatment to other areas of the province,” the bishops said.

“We express our deep concern at the potential permanent withdrawal of vital services from parishioners resident in County Fermanagh and surrounding areas, where there is poor public transport and inadequate travel links to alternative hospitals."

Emergency services at SWAH were temporarily suspended in December 2022, which local campaigners say posed a risk to life.

The bishops have called for a greater consultation process before any permanent closure goes ahead.