The Northern Ireland Health Survey (2014/15) reported that 22% of adults in Northern Ireland smoke, with smoking being most common among manual workers.

Using the workplace setting to encourage and support people to quit smoking helps ensure:

• better health in the workforce;

• increased productivity and reduced absence due to sickness;

• improved staff morale and a good corporate image.

High air pollution in Northern Ireland

HIGH levels of air pollution (particulate matter) are currently being monitored in the Belfast area. MODERATE levels of air pollution are being monitored in other urban centres across Northern Ireland. The air quality forecast indicates that the pollution will disperse through the day. Similar pollution levels may occur tomorrow morning, depending on weather conditions. These pollution levels are the result of the cold, calm, foggy weather conditions we are currently experiencing, which can lead to the build up of local emissions from vehicles and home heating.

From 1 May 2010 the responsibility for the management and follow up of Serious Adverse Incidents (SAIs) transferred from Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) to the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) working jointly with Public Health Agency (PHA) and collaboratively with Regulation Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). 

PHA urges people to seek help on World Suicide Prevention Day

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using today [10 September] – World Suicide Prevention Day – to encourage people who are feeling in distress or despair to seek help. The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Suicide Prevention: One World Connected.’ The theme reflects the importance of connections at several levels in tackling suicide.

Vaccination against shingles. Information for healthcare professionals.

Development of the Men’s Sheds movement in Northern Ireland

Organisations are invited to submit proposals to the Public Health Agency (PHA) for a three-year programme to develop and sustain a Men’s Sheds Network in Northern Ireland. The service provider will: Support the growth of new Men’s Sheds throughout Northern Ireland; Provide effective services to Men’s Sheds; Raise awareness and understanding of the Men’s Sheds model. A grant is available up to a maximum of £140,000 for the three-year project.

Major childhood flu vaccination programme

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today launching phase two of its childhood flu vaccination programme which will see immunisation being offered to pre-school children aged two years and over, and all primary school children. This will help protect against the disease and reduce spread. Today’s launch comes after children in primary six and two and three year olds were offered the vaccine last year as part of phase one.