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

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on parents and guardians to talk to young people about the dangers of vaping unknown substances after further reports of incidents of young people falling ill after vaping ‘spice’. Since November the PHA has received several reports related to young people thinking they were buying and vaping THC or cannabis oil, but they were unknowingly supplied with the synthetic drug ‘spice’, the effect of which required medical interventions and hospital treatment. Over the past six months, the PHA have been working with community and voluntary organisations

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that seven cases of the COVID-19 variant under investigation VUI B.1.617.2 (first detected in India) have been detected in Northern Ireland. These are the first confirmed cases of this variant in Northern Ireland and work is ongoing to investigate and assess these cases. Dr Stephen Bergin, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: "Identification of a confirmed case or cases of this variant in Northern Ireland was inevitable at some point, and preparations have been in place for such a development. “Whilst it is a disappointing development, it

As the nights get brighter, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to get out and get active. Colette Brolly, the PHA’s joint lead on Obesity and Physical Activity, said: “Being physically active is really important and daily activity will help you feel better, manage stress, improve your sleep and help you maintain a healthy weight. “During lockdown understandably a lot of people wouldn’t have been as active as previously. As the restrictions ease and people start to feel more confident in getting out and about, it is good opportunity to set yourself a challenge to get fitter

The Public Health Agency (PHA) in Northern Ireland and the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the Republic of Ireland are urging people to stick to key public health advice and exercise caution over coming weeks, particularly with regard to cross-border activity. The call comes as Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland progress on the easing of their respective lockdowns. Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “As lockdowns ease in different ways either side of the border, we really want people to continue to exercise caution and restraint to help limit the spread

This Sun Awareness Week [May 3-9] the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging people to stay safe in the sun and to be UV aware. Denise McCallion, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “As the weather improves and the temperatures rise, many of us will be spending more time outdoors in our gardens or yards either gardening or relaxing with our families and friends, or going outdoors to get some exercise. It is important when spending time outside, to be sun safe and ensure that both adults and children are not overexposed to the

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to stick to key public health advice as restrictions ease as the best way to help keep COVID-19 case numbers down and ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits as safely as possible. The agency is emphasising a potentially stark warning that if we collectively fail to stick to public health guidance, viral transmission will increase and we will inevitably see increased cases reappear – no-one wants lockdown measures being reintroduced, so everyone has a responsibility to continue to adhere to the guidance. Dr Stephen Bergin, Director of Public

Despite the challenges thrown up by the COVID-19 pandemic, over 30 community and voluntary organisations this year benefitted from expert mentoring and support from organisations that have a track record of demonstrating excellent community development practice and a solid commitment to tackling health inequalities. The Public Health Agency (PHA) commissioned the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) to develop and deliver the Elevate support programme for the community, voluntary and public sectors. Elevate provides opportunities for developing skills, knowledge and an awareness of