Patient involvement is set to improve in the health service with the creation of new standards which will oversee the input the public have into their care.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has for the first time established a set of standards for engagement between people working within Health and Social Care (HSC) and service users, carers and members of the public.

March is here and it is the start of lambing season; however the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women about the risk of close contact with sheep during lambing season.

Dr Lorraine Doherty, Assistant Director of Public Health (Health Protection) at the PHA, said: “Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may be risking their own health and that of their unborn child from infections that can be transferred from ewes. It is also important to note that cows and goats which have recently given birth can also carry similar infections.

Increasing awareness of neurological conditions is at the centre of a new programme designed to improve the care of patients.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and experts in the field within Health and Social Care (HSC) have developed the programme alongside service users and carers affected by neurological conditions. The training is for those who provide services to people impacted by the disorders to improve their knowledge and understanding of the complex issues.

The health protection service of the Public Health Agency (PHA) plays a critical role in protecting the population from infection and environmental hazards. Yesterday they took the opportunity to share their learning at the Health Protection Symposium 2015 held at Lagan Valley Island with a wide range of Health and Social Care and other Statutory partners including local Councils.