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Vaccinate kids as the first line of defence against flu

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on parents of pre-school and primary school children to get their kids vaccinated against flu.

This will help protect not only them but also those around them, particularly older grandparents or relations with an underlying health condition. Children in particular can increase the spread of the flu virus in the community, but vaccination helps curb this.

New initiative to build capacity in evidence informed decision making

The health service, policy makers and the public will benefit from a €2 million, all-island, investment to improve ways of gathering and combining evidence (known as evidence synthesis) and using it effectively to inform health and health care decisions.

Seven in 10 people want to discuss palliative care if it could help them

Research carried out on behalf of the All Ireland Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) has shown that seven in ten people believe that if palliative care could help them they would like a health care professional to discuss it with them.

Today marks the start of Palliative Care Week (9 to 15 September 2018) and AIIHPC surveyed people across Northern Ireland about their understanding of palliative care.

PHA increasing understanding of mental health through training

As World Suicide Prevention Day approaches the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of the training opportunities available in mental and emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention.

Almost 15,000 participants[1] received PHA-funded training in mental and emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention last year.

The PHA commissions a range of training programmes which are delivered across Northern Ireland, which range from raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing to providing advice on crisis intervention.

Tips on avoiding back-to-school germs

As the first week of the new school year gets under way, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness with parents about the importance of good hygiene – both in school and at home.

“Schools can be a common breeding ground for germs and bugs so it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading germs to others,” said Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA.

The switchboard number for the PHA’s Headquarters at Linenhall Street, Belfast has changed to 0300 555 0114. Click here for more information.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) was established in April 2009 as part of the reforms to Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland. We are the major regional organisation for health protection and health and social wellbeing improvement. Our role also commits us to addressing the causes and associated inequalities of preventable ill-health and lack of wellbeing. We are a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional body with a strong regional and local presence.

Directorates

In fulfilling our mandate to protect public health, improve public health and social wellbeing, and reduce inequalities in health and social wellbeing, the PHA works within an operational framework of three areas: Public Health, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, and Operations. Our corporate and business plans reflect these arrangements and our purpose as an organisation.

Latest

Vaccinate kids as the first line of defence against flu
Monday, 17 September 2018 - News
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on parents of pre-school and primary school children to get their kids vaccinated against flu.
New initiative to build capacity in evidence informed decision making
Thursday, 13 September 2018 - News
The health service, policy makers and the public will benefit from a €2 million, all-island, investment to improve ways of gathering and combining evidence (known as evidence synthesis) and using it effectively to inform health and health care dec
Seven in 10 people want to discuss palliative care if it could help them
Sunday, 09 September 2018 - News
Research carried out on behalf of the All Ireland Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) has shown that seven in ten people believe that if palliative care could help them they would like a health care professional to
PHA increasing understanding of mental health through training
Friday, 07 September 2018 - News
As World Suicide Prevention Day approaches the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of the training opportunities available in mental and emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention.