Transparency, public involvement, safety and proportionality must be at the centre of UK health research, a new position statement published today has demanded. Regulators and government departments who promote and protect the interests of patients across the four UK nations have set out the key principles in a new UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research. The 19 principles of good practice in research are for those who manage and conduct health and social research in the UK.

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.