Health and social care (HSC) workers throughout Northern Ireland are being urged by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to help reduce the spread of flu in health and social care settings by getting the free flu vaccine. The message from the PHA is ‘Don’t risk flu infection, get vaccinated early’. Mater Hospital nurse Roisin King explained that getting the flu vaccine was the sensible thing to do.

All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) in conjunction with the Public Health Agency’s Health and Social Care Research and Development Division (PHA HSC R&D) is pleased to announce two research fellowships that will focus on improving end-of-life care.

As we move into November, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people who are eligible for the flu vaccine but haven’t yet had it, to get it as soon as possible. There has been a very good start to the vaccination programme with a similar number of people vaccinated as this time last year – which had record levels of vaccine uptake.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast. As of 3pm on Wednesday 31 October 2012, there were 134 confirmed cases and 165 probable cases.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among both men and women in Northern Ireland, with round 900 new cases diagnosed each year, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on people to use Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November as the perfect opportunity to stop smoking.

Issued on behalf of Fermanagh Community Response Group (voluntary and community organisations in Fermanagh, the Public Health Agency, Western Health and Social Care Trust, PSNI, Western Education and Library Board and Fermanagh District Council). In response to the recent number of tragic sudden deaths in Fermanagh, representatives from the Fermanagh Community Response Group would like to express their sadness and concern at the recent loss of life and to send their condolences to the families and friends of those who have recently been bereaved.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has welcomed the results of the Independent Review of Breast Screening, published today [30 October], and is urging all women to continue to attend for screening when invited as it has been proven to save lives.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging pregnant women and the parents of young children to ensure whooping cough (pertussis) immunisations are fully up to date, following a rise in the numbers of cases during 2012.

As Hallowe’en approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding those who choose to drink to be aware of their alcoholic units, particularly in party punch and cocktails and to stay within safe limits. Owen O’Neill, PHA Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager and joint regional lead for alcohol and drugs, said: “Hallowe’en is an exciting event that everyone can enjoy, but it’s also important to be smart if you use alcohol and make sure that your drinking does not spoil the celebrations for yourself or others.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast. Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health, PHA, said: “The PHA has activated a full public health response to this outbreak and the situation is being managed and monitored very closely.