The switchboard number for the PHA’s Headquarters at Linenhall Street, Belfast changed on Monday 28 April, 2014. The new number is 0300 555 0114* and should now be used. The old switchboard number (028 9032 1313) is no longer live.

10,000 Voices, a Public Health Agency (PHA) initiative which gives the people of Northern Ireland an opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences of accessing Health and Social Care services, has passed a key milestone with over 3,000 patients, clients and families telling their story.

This week the Easter holidays start and many families will be thinking of heading off camping, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from leaving lit or smouldering barbecues inside tents or caravans. Many people are already aware that fossil fuels and wood, when burnt without enough oxygen, create high levels of CO. However, the PHA is concerned that campers may not be aware of the risks involved with taking lit or smouldering barbecues inside tents, awnings or caravans.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is a partner in a €3.5 million EU research grant, led by University College Cork (UCC), to develop a new standard in crisis management which is capable of operating across borders.

World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April every year and this year the topic is ‘small bite, big threat’. In Northern Ireland the small bite, big threat is tick-borne Lyme disease, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding the public that you can protect against Lyme disease by taking some simple preventive measures.

A small group of Somali women have been putting down roots in Northern Ireland and have been developing their artistic skills in a pioneering project delivered by ArtsEkta for the Public Health Agency (PHA).

With the Giro d’Italia just six weeks away and the clocks wheeling forward an hour on Sunday 30 March, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to get on their bikes in the brighter evenings. Mary Black, Assistant Director for Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the PHA, said: “The stretch in the evenings means we have more time to get involved in physical activity, whether it’s going for a walk with the dog, kicking a ball in the park or getting out on the bike.

People in Magherafelt have a new way to get active as the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Magherafelt District Council have launched a new outdoor gym. Council Chairperson Catherine Elatter officially opened the free facility, which is funded by the PHA, in Swatragh Park in Magherafelt this week. The gym is made up of 14 pieces of cardiovascular and strength equipment which offer a variety of benefits to the user including improved balance and coordination, flexibility, strength and cardiovascular exercise.