The Public Health Agency (PHA) will today [Wednesday 16 October] reveal the findings from its public attitudes research on organ donation and transplantation in Northern Ireland. Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA and Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee for Organ Donation and Transplantation, said: “Organ donation really is the gift of life. The generosity of donors and their families enhances or saves the lives of recipients across Northern Ireland.

As the winter months are approaching, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Global Handwashing Day on 15 October to remind people of the need to maintain good hand hygiene. This will help to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading winter viruses such as influenza and norovirus Hand washing with soap and warm water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections which can cause inconvenience and in some cases lead to serious illness.

Today marks this year’s World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise public awareness about the wide range of mental health issues which people experience. While there remains an element of taboo around discussing mental health, the fact is that around one in five people in Northern Ireland experience mental ill health at some stage in their lives.

Health Minister Edwin Poots MLA and Olympian Dame Mary Peters have jointly opened a new community gym in Lisburn established to improve the health and wellbeing of local people. Lagan View Community Gym in Old Warren is jointly funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Resurgam Community Development Trust. The gym will offer the people in the area an opportunity to try a wide range of activities such as cycling, rowing and weight training.