A stunning exhibition of contemporary artwork by older people opened this week at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. ‘In Full Bloom’ showcases art by older people from throughout Northern Ireland who have had the opportunity to explore and experiment with different art forms as part of the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Arts Care ‘Here and Now’ festival of arts for older people. The festival aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people by supporting them to access and participate in high quality arts activity.

Patient involvement is set to improve in the health service with the creation of new standards which will oversee the input the public have into their care. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has for the first time established a set of standards for engagement between people working within Health and Social Care (HSC) and service users, carers and members of the public. The five standards of Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) support the key principle of people being involved and consulted on decisions which affect their health and social care. The five standards are:

March is here and it is the start of lambing season; however the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women about the risk of close contact with sheep during lambing season.

Increasing awareness of neurological conditions is at the centre of a new programme designed to improve the care of patients. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and experts in the field within Health and Social Care (HSC) have developed the programme alongside service users and carers affected by neurological conditions. The training is for those who provide services to people impacted by the disorders to improve their knowledge and understanding of the complex issues.

The health protection service of the Public Health Agency (PHA) plays a critical role in protecting the population from infection and environmental hazards. Yesterday they took the opportunity to share their learning at the Health Protection Symposium 2015 held at Lagan Valley Island with a wide range of Health and Social Care and other Statutory partners including local Councils.

An innovative health and wellbeing project in Mid Ulster has been changing the lives of people living in the area. The ‘Make a Change’ project is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and is supported by the three Mid Ulster councils – Cookstown, Magherafelt and Dungannon & South Tyrone – and the Northern and Southern Health and Social Care Trusts. The programme aims to engage with people who do not traditionally access services and support.