The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) have maintained regular communication and support with J McGregor Chemist over their provision of a Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme (NSES) at their pharmacy on Botanic Avenue, Belfast. J McGregor Chemist has taken the decision to withdraw the NSES from their Botanic Avenue pharmacy. The pharmacy has been an integral part of the NSES for more than 23 years and has provided a highly valuable health service to the local community, which we sincerely thank them for. The PHA and HSCB will continue to work alongside J McGregor

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Limavady area. At present we can link the cases to a social gathering in a private/residential setting. Testing and contact tracing is being conducted to identify people who may be potentially affected to help prevent any further spread. With lockdown restrictions being eased this type of occurrence is to be expected, which is why the Test, Trace and Protect programme is in place. At present anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 in Northern Ireland will be contacted by the contact tracing team to be given advice

Carbon monoxide (CO) can be a hidden killer during the summer months, and with many of us holidaying at home this year on camping, caravanning or boating trips, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging holidaymakers to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces. While carbon monoxide is usually associated with domestic fossil fuel-burning appliances, incidents and even deaths can also occur in caravans and tents, on boats and in other small places. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA said: “Carbon monoxide can build up very

Celebrations for this year’s Twelfth of July might be a little different but the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding anyone choosing to drink that nothing has changed when it comes to alcohol – keep an eye on your alcohol intake by making a plan of setting a sensible limit and sticking to it. The PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol lead Michael Owen said: “A lot of people will be making plans to celebrate the Twelfth at home and we are encouraging them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake should they choose to drink. “By setting a plan, you can avoid binge drinking which has been shown to have

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new programme of investment that will provide support to communities in response to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic. The PHA is encouraging groups to apply to the short-term funding programme, which can be used to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities living through COVID-19. Professor Hugo Van Woerden, Director of Public Health at PHA, said: “Communities have risen to the challenge of the pandemic and created a strong web of mutual support, highlighting the importance of community infrastructure in dealing with such challenges

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new mass media campaign today to raise awareness of the symptoms of COVID-19, the importance of testing and the role contact tracing can play in limiting the spread of infection. This comes as Northern Ireland progresses through the coronavirus recovery plan, with the aim of reminding the public of the important role everyone has to play in minimising the risk of a second wave of infection. The campaign will include TV and radio ads, social and digital activity, and outdoor advertising. Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I very much welcome the