The dangers associated with hot appliances, liquids and bath water are being highlighted in a video being launched today [Thursday 26 October] by the Public Health Agency (PHA), in association with local councils in Northern Ireland. The video is the latest in a series of awareness-raising activities to reduce the prevalence of accidents that occur in or around the home, and shows how quickly and easily burns and scalds can occur.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) are urging people who have had experience of delirium during the past year to share their experience through the 10,000 MORE Voices programme to help shape how care is delivered in Northern Ireland. 10,000 MORE Voices is a PHA initiative which gives people an opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences of accessing Health and Social Care services by asking them to ‘tell us their story’. The information received helps to highlight areas that require additional focus for improvement.

Statistics released today in the 2016/17 Health Survey for Northern Ireland show that smoking prevalence has dropped by two percent. Meaning that the percentage of the population here who are smokers is now 20% – the lowest since the survey began in 1983.*

Research into transitioning between services: Improving the experiences of young and old The Public Health Agency (PHA) today [Friday 20 October] launched the findings of two new research studies which looked at the transition of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) into old age; and, the transition of young people with mental health problems to adult mental health services.

A news story on Lifeline broadcast on 17 October 2017 reported that a particular named provider would deliver the regional helpline aspect of the revised Lifeline service. The Public Health Agency would like to clarify that all parts of the service – the regional helpline and the follow-on counselling services in each HSC Trust area – will go out to public tender and contracts will be awarded based on this process. This was clarified on air on 18 October 2017.

In line with our dementia ‘Still Me’ campaign and the fast approaching winter months, it is important to keep people with dementia active by engaging in activities that they are interested in and are not weather permitting. Here are some tips on how to do so:

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding all people aged 70 and 78 years old that they are eligible to receive the shingles vaccine. Every year in Northern Ireland, around 1,000 people in their seventies will get shingles. The vaccine will help protect against this common and painful disease and its complications.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is delighted to have been successful in securing a significant grant for ‘Project RETAIN’ from the prestigious Burdett Trust for Nursing. The funding will support a regional initiative in partnership with local Health and Social Care Trusts, the Department of Health, Age NI and nurse education providers, which will aim to improve nurse retention and recruitment in care of older people’s settings in Northern Ireland.

During adverse weather many people can experience a range of situations associated with the extreme weather such as cold and freezing temperatures, no electricity or mains water and flooding. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has compiled public health information to assist the public in these situations.