Service Development and Screening

Screening is important because early detection of disease often produces better outcomes for patients. At this stage treatment may be more effective, avoiding significant ill health and in some cases premature death.

PHA staff provide particular expertise on service evaluation and review, assessment of the health and wellbeing needs of the population, and evidence-based practice.

They also have a key role in supporting the development, implementation and evaluation of regional service frameworks.

Commissioning teams:

There are 11 PHA commissioning teams:

School’s out for summer – time to talk about alcohol and drugs

With thousands of young people finishing school for the summer, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking alcohol and taking drugs. The PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol lead Michael Owen said: “Many teenagers will be spending more time with friends over the coming months, heading out to gigs and festivals, and perhaps even heading off on their first solo holiday, which could lead to excessive drinking or drug taking, so there’s an important role for parents to talk to their children about the risks.

This framework document outlines the training standards and learning outcomes for stop smoking service providers. It describes the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services, and sets the minimum standards for delivery.

Also available as a PDF is the document Quality standards for the delivery of specialist stop smoking services in Northern Ireland.