In September 2019, the Department of Health published a new suicide prevention strategy for Northern Ireland known as Protect Life 2. The strategy includes specific actions which the Public Health Agency (PHA) is responsible for delivering, and the agency is now undertaking a pre-consultation on these suicide prevention and post-vention services In order for the PHA to develop future services to meet these actions, it is important to review current services and most importantly listen to the views of service users, local communities and other organisations delivering services, through this pre

During adverse weather many people can experience a range of situations associated with the extreme weather such as cold and freezing temperatures, no electricity or mains water and flooding. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has compiled public health information to assist the public in these situations. Support networks for those affected by the adverse weather Keeping warm during adverse weather Carbon monoxide poisoning Advice if flooding occurs Using emergency water supplies Water advice following restoration Looking after vulnerable and elderly neighbours Severe weather warnings The Met

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to mindful of the COVID-19 guidance over mid-term break. Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “After a very tough winter we are all looking forward to nicer weather and brighter days, but right now we are in a very important moment of the pandemic, after weeks of home-schooling and working from home for many of us it might be tempting to break up the monotony of everyday life but it’s essential that we don’t become complacent. “The sacrifices we have all made during this lockdown are making a difference, and infection

Lady Mary Peters has received her COVID-19 vaccine from her local GP surgery as part of the Northern Ireland vaccination programme, and has urged others to get it too when called. Getting the COVID-19 vaccination is the most important thing you can do to help protect your community against serious illness, alongside following public health advice. When enough people get vaccinated, it’s harder for a disease to spread to those who are most vulnerable. Lady Mary Peters, who is 81 years old, received her vaccine from GP Dr Andrew Dick from The Hill Medical Group Practice in Dunmurry. Lady Mary

Over 453 care homes across Northern Ireland have now received both COVID-19 vaccinations – this includes staff as well as residents who agreed to receive the vaccine. Northern Ireland was one of the first regions in UK and Ireland to roll out a vaccination programme to care homes. To date, 100% of care homes were visited and have been offered the first dose of the vaccine – 90% of care homes have been visited and offered the second dose, with work ongoing to complete the remainder as planned. This has been made possible through the close collaboration between the five Health and Social Care

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today, on World Cancer Day, highlighting the signs and symptoms of cancer and encouraging people to seek medical advice from their GP if they have concerns. “The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of survival as treatment is more likely to be successful,” said Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA. “During the COVID-19 pandemic many people may have concerns about a change they have noticed in their body, but might be hesitant to contact their GP. “However, it is important not to delay if you develop a