At Hallowe’en don’t be tricked by alcohol units in cocktails and punch

As Hallowe’en approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding those who choose to drink to be aware of their alcoholic units, particularly in party punch and cocktails and to stay within safe limits. Owen O’Neill, PHA Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager and joint regional lead for alcohol and drugs, said: “Hallowe’en is an exciting event that everyone can enjoy, but it’s also important to be smart if you use alcohol and make sure that your drinking does not spoil the celebrations for yourself or others.

E. coli O157 – Update 26 Oct 2012

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast. Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health, PHA, said: “The PHA has activated a full public health response to this outbreak and the situation is being managed and monitored very closely.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Week 41- 42 (8 - 21 October 2012)

Influenza activity in Northern Ireland remains at low levels.

The GP combined ‘flu/FLI consultation rate increased from 8.8 per 100,000 population in week 40 to 15.6 per 100,000 population in week 41, 2012; however, the consultation rate subsequently decreased in week 42 to 11.6 per 100,000 population. Rates are lower compared to the same weeks last year and are well below the Northern Ireland threshold (70 per 100,000 population).

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is produced during the flu season.

Public health advice following flooding

Flooding has affected a number of areas in Northern Ireland causing disruption and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the potential public health risks associated with flash flooding. Further heavy rain is forecast for Thursday afternoon by the Met Office which has issued a Yellow warning with a possible rainfall of 10mm in an hour in some places – especially across Antrim and Down.

E. coli O157 – Update 17 Oct 2012

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Environmental Health Officers from Belfast City Council are continuing to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 linked to Flicks restaurant in Cityside Mall, 100-150 York Street, Belfast. As of 3pm on Wednesday 17 October 2012, there were 25 confirmed cases and 154 probable cases. Eight people have been hospitalised since the start of the outbreak, but the PHA understands that most have now gone home.

Relationships and Families - Hope For the Future - Relate NI

2012 Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick 9:30am - 4:30pm To celebrate its 65th anniversary, Relate NI is hosting a conference on “Relationships and Families - Hope for the Future”, to explore current counselling/systemic family trends and practice. This conference is aimed at all professionals working with couples and families, who wish to reflect on and develop their practice within their field of work. The conference will be chaired by Lynda Bryans and will feature presentations from keynote speakers including, John Burnham and Dr Mary Jenkins.

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