The Public Health Agency (PHA) has awarded over £100,000 in funding to 18 community organisations to reduce the impact of deprivation and inequalities in health. Working in partnership with the south eastern area local councils, the ‘Enhancing Communities’ scheme is one of a range of joint actions between these councils and the PHA. Grants of up to £7,000 have been awarded to the successful groups in Ards, North Down, Down and Lisburn, with a total allocation of £102,774 being made for this work.

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (13th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim). ENDS

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising women who are, or think they may be pregnant, to reduce their risk of miscarriage and infection by avoiding close contact with sheep during lambing season, which runs until approximately April.

This Valentines Day, Tuesday14 February, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone in Northern Ireland to have a heart and save lives by signing the NHS Organ Donor Register. The number of people in Northern Ireland signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register is steadily increasing; however there are still not enough organs available for transplant. Just over one in four in Northern Ireland is registered as potential organ donors.

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (12th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim). ENDS

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (11th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM).

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (10th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim).

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (9th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim).

The total number of pseudomonas cases and colonisations notified to the Public Health Agency (PHA) today (8th February) are as follows: Total number of confirmed pseudomonas infections associated with the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJM) outbreak: seven (in RJM). Number of babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations and are associated with the RJM outbreak: six (in RJM). Number of other babies currently in neonatal units who have confirmed pseudomonas colonisations: five (in Altnagelvin, Craigavon and Antrim).

As a precautionary measure, a water sampling and tap replacement programme is underway in all neonatal units in Northern Ireland. PHA is publishing water sample results for all Trusts as and when confirmed.