Being more alcohol aware during social distancing

With the government calling on people to stay at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is asking people who drink alcohol to think about their drinking habits during this period. Michael Owen, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Several countries are reporting an increase in home drinking and it’s likely that we are no different. Drinking too much alcohol can seriously damage your health and have a negative impact on those around you. Alcohol is an extremely powerful drug and we need to be careful of how we use it.

Coronavirus advice for people with a learning disability

This booklet explains the latest government advice on coronavirus in an easy read format.

Please note the advice on self-isolation for some close contacts has changed since publication date. Please see 

Your activity record sheet

This fun physical activity record sheet outlines the recommended physical activity guidelines for children aged 5 to 18 and includes an easy way for children to keep track of how much physical activity they are getting.

COVID-19 Surveillance Reports

COVID-19 Surveillance Reports 

From Sunday 19 April the Department of Health will be releasing the daily statistics on coronavirus (COVID-19) which will be available at

Social distancing essential in battle against coronavirus

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to follow the advice on social distancing as an essential part of slowing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and saving lives. Dr Hugo Van Woerden, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to practise social distancing as a key step in saving lives. The guidance to socially distance ourselves from others applies to everyone. We should all be taking steps to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus. “Every one of us has a role to play in this

Newborn blood spot screening (English and translations)

In the first week after birth, all babies in Northern Ireland are now offered screening for six inherited metabolic disorders, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disorders. 

The newborn blood spot pre-screening information leaflet for parents includes information about sickle cell disorders (SCD) and medium chain acyl coA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) family history. This pre-screening leaflet should be given to all pregnant women by 30 weeks gestation and reissued to parents following delivery, before day five.

Further information about screening and the care of children with SCD is available at:

For professionals:

Recurrent pregnancy loss

Produced by the PHA in partnership with the Health and Social Care Board, health professionals, Health and Social Care Trusts and service users in response to a clear need from service users, these resources provide reg

Needle exchanges helping to stop spread of infection

A total of 33,992 visits were made to needle and syringe exchange schemes (NSES) during 2018-19, helping to stop the spread of infection from drug-related litter and sharing of equipment. The figures released by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) show a 13% increase in visits to NSES compared to the 2017-18 figures. Michael Owen, the PHA’s Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol, said: “The increase in demand for the service demonstrates a need for the scheme, evidence that people are listening to our advice to use the support available and good use of a service

NI Regional Hepatitis B&C Managed Clinical Network Annual Report

NI Regional Hepatitis B&C Managed Clinical Network Annual Report

NI Regional Hepatitis B&C Managed Clinical Network Annual Report.

Breast screening and breast implants

This leaflet outlines the issues that women with breast implants need to be aware of when attending for breast screening.

This leaflet outlines the issues that women with breast implants need to be aware of when attending for breast screening.

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