The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today publishing the findings of a study into the aftercare received by those who attended hospital after self-harming. The report, which concentrates on the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) area, has been compiled by the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) in collaboration with the PHA.

With a spell of good weather expected, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are offering advice on how to cope during the heatwave. Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, explained: “Being active and having fun outside is good for our health, but the sun can cause permanent damage to our skin. Just one episode of sunburn, especially in childhood, doubles the lifetime risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.”

The CLEAR Project have announced the opening of a small grant scheme on behalf of the Public Health Agency (PHA) for projects/initiatives which address Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing, Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm. The CLEAR Project, which is part of Derry Healthy Cities, has been commissioned to facilitate this process in the Western, Southern, South Eastern and Belfast LCG areas. The small grants scheme provides the community and voluntary sector with the opportunity to access small, non-recurring grants.

The Health Minister, Simon Hamilton, today welcomed the findings of an audit report which examines the quality of dementia care in hospitals from the patient’s admission to discharge. Minister Hamilton said: “Dementia has a huge impact on families and on society as a whole and there are currently 20,000 people living with dementia in Northern Ireland. The recommendations from this audit highlight the importance of understanding the care needs of patients with dementia when they are admitted to an acute hospital ward.

Parliament Buildings, the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly, has become the latest venue to sign up to the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme. There are now more than 400 businesses, council facilities and popular local attractions part of the scheme, which aims to help make breastfeeding mums feel comfortable about feeding their baby in public.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are on the rise in Northern Ireland, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a major new campaign aimed at improving and protecting people’s sexual health and wellbeing.

A new initiative giving people the opportunity to refer themselves for physiotherapy treatment without having to see a GP or other healthcare professional has been established on a pilot basis in the South Eastern Area. The Public Health Agency (PHA), Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and South Eastern Trust (SET) have launched a pilot programme of Direct Access physiotherapy in the SET for patients over the age of 16 who have a musculoskeletal problem. Self-referral through the scheme is now available.

This week is Men’s Health Week (15-21 June), which aims to raise awareness of preventable health issues among men of all ages and also encourage them to seek professional advice for health-related problems.