School food: top marks - A summary report on food in schools research in Northern Ireland

This report highlights the barriers that schools in Northern Ireland have experienced in implementing
nutritional standards. In particular, it identifies the potential adverse impact that external sources
of food may have on pupils’ healthy eating practices within the school setting. It also illustrates
how the accessibility of food and drinks contradicting the standards, within the school, may limit
the success of the standards. This report further emphasises how practical constraints within the

Get Healthwise this new year!

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;

Public Health Agency confirms death of a 10 month old baby from swine flu

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."

Child from Republic of Ireland dies from swine flu

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.

Barriers to health - Migrant health and wellbeing in Belfast

Over the last decade Belfast has experienced significant political, economic and social change. As a consequence, the population of greater Belfast has increased substantially over the past decade. This has been as a result of both natural change and net migration gain.

This report covers the following issues

  • legislation on immigration, work, health & social services and social security entitlements;
  • health issues;
  • migrant health priorities identified at the Stakeholder Workshop held in April 2010.
     

PHA reassures the public after two deaths in people with no underlying health problems

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.)

PHA releases updated information on influenza

The PHA is today publishing data on laboratory-confirmed influenza associated deaths due to the level of public interest in the current situation regarding flu. “It should be noted that these will not represent all influenza-related deaths,” said Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health. “A more reliable indicator of the impact of flu is the mortality data for respiratory infections. That is why we have published those each week in our flu bulletin. “The data shows that respiratory infections remain within the normal range that we would expect to see for this time of year.
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