The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to sign up to the NHS Organ Donation Register this Saturday 22 January in Castle Court shopping centre in Belfast. In Northern Ireland, over 300 people are waiting for organ donation. The PHA is supporting the appeal by the Transplant Forum and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBTS) authority for people to join the Organ Donation Register. In the UK, 3,706 transplants were carried out in the year 2009/10, the highest ever number thanks to the kindness of both deceased and living donors.

The Public Health Agency (PHA), Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) hosted a further briefing today to outline the current position in respect of flu and seasonal winter pressures. (Presentation attached here and below).

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people with specific health conditions to join the Healthwise scheme – a free 12 week physical activity programme to get their new year off to a healthy start. The scheme is available at registered leisure centres and Healthy Living Centres (HLCs) within the Belfast and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust areas and is for people with certain health conditions who have been referred by their GP, nurse or other health professionals.The scheme is suitable for those with:• high blood pressure;

Extensive stocks of vaccine are available to protect those in at-risk groups against H1N1 swine flu. Last year in Northern Ireland, GPs vaccinated 350,000 people in 'at-risk' groups against flu - the largest number of people ever.

The Public Health Agency has confirmed that a 10 month old baby boy from Northern Ireland has died in intensive care from swine flu. The baby had an underlying medical condition. The family has asked for privacy and for the media not to approach them for further information. Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health said: "This is a very sad and distressing time for the family affected and I would like to offer them my sincere condolences."

The Public Health Agency has confirmed that a two year old boy with swine flu has died in intensive care. The family has asked for no further details to be released and for the media to respect their privacy at this very sad time. The child was a resident of the Republic of Ireland and was being treated here. The Public Health Agency has therefore informed the responsible health authorities in the Republic of Ireland. The Public Health Agency would like to extend its sympathy to the family of this child.

The Public Health Agency (PHA), Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) hosted a briefing today to outline the current position in respect of flu and seasonal winter pressures. (Presentation available here and attached at the bottom of this page.)