10,000 Voices annual report

I am pleased to present the first annual report of the‘10,000 Voices’ initiative. This initiative has been commissioned and funded by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and the Public Health Agency (PHA), to introduce a more patient focused approach to shaping the way services are delivered and commissioned. It provides a mechanism for patients not only to share their experience of the health services, both positive and negative, but also to affect and inform change.

Annual Quality Report 2013/2014

Annual quality reports are a recommendation of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s (DHSSPS) Quality 2020: a 10 year strategy to protect and improve quality in Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.

Public Health Agency statement – Ebola

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that a person who has recently travelled in an area affected by Ebola has been assessed in accordance with the national risk assessment protocol. The patient is currently being treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, and has tested positive for malaria. The patient has also been tested for Ebola, as a precautionary measure, and this test is negative. The patient is being treated for malaria and will continue to be monitored. The PHA has advised that there is no increased risk to the wider community.

PHA statement regarding EVD test

-STATEMENT BEGINS- The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that a person who has recently travelled in an area affected by Ebola is being assessed in accordance with the agreed risk assessment. The PHA is liaising with colleagues and has advised that there is no increased risk to the wider community. Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, can be a severe illness in humans. The incubation period, that is, the time interval from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms, is 2 to 21 days.

Band supports PHA stop smoking message at surprise gig

Welsh 'Indie Folksters' Paper Aeroplanes, who are currently touring the UK, stopped off in Lisburn today for a surprise gig at a school, which they also used to promote the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) stop smoking campaign. The duet, whose track ‘Same Mistakes’ features in the PHA’s recent stop smoking TV ads, played a gig at Fort Hill College in Lisburn and used the opportunity to warn young people of the dangers of smoking. They also encouraged those who already smoke to seek help and quit. Gerry Bleakney, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said:

Norbrook supports employee health and social wellbeing

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has commended Norbrook Laboratories Ltd in Newry for taking part in the ‘Workplace 28 day stop smoking challenge’ to support their employees to stop smoking, and has congratulated the group of staff that took part. The ‘Workplace 28 day stop smoking challenge’ was launched on 1 October to encourage and support workers to stop smoking and called for businesses to work with the PHA to make this happen. Congratulating Norbrook, Gerry Bleakney, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said:

Boost your health with a work out at work

With over three out of five of us spending three or more hours in a sedentary position on weekdays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to get more active during the day at work. Too much time sitting can be bad for your health and many of us spend a lot of our work hours sitting at a desk. Colette Brolly, the PHA lead on Physical Activity, said: “With a few simple steps, it’s quite easy to build moderate activity into your work day while still getting on with your job.
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