* 'The Pulse Check' survey has now been paused. More info to follow on the date the survey will resume. As we emerge from lockdown the Patient and Client Council and the Public Health Agency are launching a wide ranging feedback gathering initiative to hear from the families of care home residents on their experience of visiting homes under the new guidance from the Department of Health. This initiative is known as “Pulse Check” and will facilitate learning from the experiences of families engaging with Care Homes. As the visiting guidance evolves over the next 4 months the Pulse Check will

Community and voluntary groups are being encouraged to apply for a short term funding programme which can be used to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities, with a particular focus on improving mental and emotional wellbeing. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is welcoming the opportunity to work with local groups through its short term funding programme to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities. The grants programme will also support a range of strategic themes and priorities under the ‘Making Life Better’ public health framework, in particular mental health

The PHA has identified a small number of probable cases of the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02, first detected in India) in the Kilkeel area. These early results are suggestive of the variant but this has not been confirmed. As a precautionary measure we are asking asymptomatic people to get tested in selected, targeted neighbourhoods within the Kilkeel area. This is in advance of confirmation of whether a variant is present so that we can identify asymptomatic COVID-19 cases early and reduce the risk of spread in the community. Testing is opening to everyone in these areas over the age of 5 years

In advance of Child Safety Week (7- 13 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA), in association with partners involved in the delivery of the Home Accident Prevention Strategy in Northern Ireland, has developed an animation to warn parents and guardians of potential choking hazards for young children and provide practical advice on what to do if your child chokes. Each day around 40 under-5s across the UK are rushed to hospital after choking on something, or swallowing something dangerous. Food is the most likely cause, but small objects and toys can also be risky for young children. Chief Medical

The Public Health Agency is urging smokers to use the opportunity of World No Tobacco Day (31 May) to ‘Commit to Quit’. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched the year-long global campaign ‘Commit to Quit’. The campaign aims to support 100 million people worldwide in their attempt to give up tobacco through various initiatives and digital solutions. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “We are encouraging people to join with us and others throughout the world in committing to quit. “Although this past year has brought many challenges, it has

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging women to be breast aware and know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Breast cancer can occur at any age. However, the risk of developing it increases with age. Most breast cancers occur in women over 50. If it is found early, there is a better chance that treatment will be successful. “There were over 1,500 cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland in 2018,” said Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA. “Most women know that if you get a lump in your breast you need to get it checked out early

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging older adults who might not be as active as they were before the pandemic to gradually and safely build exercise back into their daily routine. Colette Brolly, the PHA’s lead on Physical Activity, said: “We recognise that the pandemic has had an impact on all aspects of life, including how much physical activity people have been able to do. Being active is really important and daily activity will help you feel better, boost your immune system, reduce anxiety and stress, build strength in your muscles and bones to improve your mobility, help improve

Today [Thursday 20 May] marks International Clinical Trials Day and the HSC R&D Division within the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using it to highlight that everyone, both young and old, can be part of research. Clinical Trials Day celebrates the day that doctor and researcher James Lind started what is often considered the first randomised clinical trial, aboard a ship on 20 May 1747. Clinical research is now the foundation of healthcare and is made possible thanks to the support and commitment of patients working in partnership with researchers and healthcare professionals. Dr Janice Bailie

COVID-19 is affecting all our lives and there are a lot of changes we all need to get used to. If you are pregnant or you have just given birth, this can be a particularly worrying time as Ali, new mum to Nina explains. “When you become a mummy you learn strengths you didn’t know you had, you deal with fears you didn’t know existed and you make decisions you never knew you would have to. Throw in a global pandemic, and you find yourself adding to the list of fears and decisions! Decisions about your birth plan, who can see the baby when it is born (if anyone), is it safe for family to hold