Cervical cancer screening saves lives

Each year around 90 women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 30 women die from the disease. During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22-28 January 2012) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on all women to attend for cervical screening when invited, as it could literally save lives. It is estimated that in a well screened population, four out of five cervical cancers can be prevented.

Pseudomonas update Sunday 22 January

Futher tests for Pseudomonas have not shown any new cases of infection in the outbreak at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital, and the total remains at six. The neonatal network is currently managing well. Some mothers due to give birth or babies who require special neonatal care, may be transferred to another unit, as would be normal practice. This will be on the basis of specialist, clinical advice to ensure babies receive the most appropriate care.

Pseudomonas update Saturday 21 January

Health Minister Edwin Poots today said the Health Service is continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that safe, specialist neonatal care remains available for all babies, following a recent outbreak of Pseudomonas in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital Further testing now shows the numbers of confirmed infected cases of Pseudomonas to be six, as opposed to the previously reported figure of seven. There have been no new confirmed cases of pseudomonas infection.

Pseudomonas update Friday 20 January

Health Minister Edwin Poots was this afternoon (Friday) briefed by senior figures across the health service on measures being taken to deal with the outbreak of Pseudomonas in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital. Seven babies who have been nursed in the neonatal unit have had Pseudomonas infection. Three have sadly died. One baby is currently undergoing treatment and is doing well, two have been treated and have already recovered. Another baby recovered from Pseudomonas but sadly subsequently died of unrelated causes.

Carbon monoxide kills – protect yourself and your family

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can kill. In the winter months, when people use their heating appliances more frequently, there are often more cases/incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to have their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances, such as boilers, heaters and cookers checked by an appropriately registered engineer, particularly if you haven’t had it serviced in the last year in order to reduce the risk of CO exposure.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Weeks 1 and 2 (2 -15 January 2012)

Five Nations Health Protection Conference

The Five Nations Health Protection Conference is taking place on 1 and 2 May 2012 at the Europa Hotel, Belfast. The conference will address important public health issues that have arisen since the last meeting and provide fresh perspectives on established areas of disease prevention and control. Short papers on the themed sessions will also be presented by those actively working in Health Protection.

Further informtion is available at www.5nations.com and the call for papers and registration form can be downloaded below.

Social exclusion and ageing policy seminar

Social Exclusion and Ageing Policy Seminar, Queens University Belfast. 

This seminar will examine the implications of the Social Exclusion and Ageing in Diverse Rural Ireland report on policy in Northern Ireland.  Presentations include reports on experiences in Scotland and Wales as well as an outline of the actions being taken by the PHA to address the needs of older people in rural areas. 

For further information contact Brendan Bonner in Gransha Park House 028 71860086

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