Over 350 healthcare professionals from across Ireland will gather in Belfast tomorrow for a two-day conference focusing on high quality, safe and effective care for patients and service users in the health and social care system.

Patients and carers urged to share experiences of palliative care. A unique survey of patient and carer experiences of palliative care has been launched. The Let’s Talk About survey is being led by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) with support from the Public Health Agency (PHA).

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to discover the benefits of reducing salt in their diet during National Salt Awareness Week. The theme for this year’s awareness week (10-16 March) is “Switch the Salt” and highlights how eating less salt can lower blood pressure, a condition that can often lead to serious health problems.

Northern Ireland Paralympic skier Kelly Gallagher spends a lot of time on the snow, but she is aware that although it may be cold she still needs to protect herself from the sun’s rays. Sunscreen is one holiday essential that often gets left behind when people take a winter holiday. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people not to forget about the sunscreen during their winter get-away. Whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter sun, it is important to stay safe in the sun during your break.

This year’s Public Health Annual Scientific Conference under the theme of ‘Recognising diversity in Public Health’ is taking place on Monday 16 June 2014, Riddel Hall, Stranmillis. This all-day conference will focus on how public health innovations, research and practice are meeting the needs of minority groups.

People living in the Southern Trust area will be able to make a splash this March with leisure centres offering swimming for just £1. To support the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) ‘Give it a Go!’ initiative, which encourages people to lead healthier lifestyles, the public can pay just £1 to swim in leisure centres in Armagh, Craigavon, Banbridge and Newry and Mourne from 10-30 March.