The Public Health Agency (PHA) yesterday kick-started a roadshow for the ‘10,000 Voices’ project, a PHA initiative that aims to involve the public in shaping future healthcare services across Northern Ireland. Pat Cullen, Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professions at the PHA, said: “10,000 Voices is a unique project that offers people an opportunity to tell us about their experiences as a patient or as someone who has experienced the health service, and to highlight the things that were important to them which will help direct how care is delivered in Northern Ireland”.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland and over 400 people die from the disease each year. However, the good news is that early detection can make a real difference as to whether someone with bowel cancer survives. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of the disease. Bowel cancer can occur at any age and symptoms can include:

The number of diagnoses of uncomplicated gonorrhoea in 2012 is the highest ever recorded in Northern Ireland, new figures released today by the Public Health Agency (PHA) show.

As the glorious summer of 2013 continues and people from across Northern Ireland are heading out to celebrate the good weather with live music at festivals and concerts, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is warning about the dangers of taking drugs. The PHA is stressing that the only way to avoid all risks is to not take any drugs which are not prescribed for you. However, if you do decide to take drugs, there are a few guidelines which can help reduce the risk to your health and life. These include not mixing drugs with alcohol or other drugs and taking small amounts slowly.