This Commissioning Plan describes the actions that will be taken across health and social care during 2014/15 to ensure continued improvement in the health and wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland.

The plan, developed in partnership by the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency outlines a range of actions that have been developed in partnership with patients and the public which are driven by need, clear goals and budgetary transparency.

PHA encourages people who self-harm to seek help

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Self-Harm Awareness Day (1 March) as an opportunity to encourage people who are affected by self-harm to seek help. Self-harm is when a person harms themselves through injury or poisoning. People self-harm for various reasons and are usually experiencing severe emotional distress. For some people, self-harm is a way of coping with and communicating their distress but for others it can be associated with a wish to end their lives and therefore it should always be taken seriously.

New campaign: eating extra will add extra on

On this extra day of the leap year, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new obesity prevention campaign making people aware of the consequences of eating ‘extras’. A new TV ad will be on our screens from tonight showing how eating just an extra 100 Calories each day more than your body needs – around one and a half digestive biscuits or just six extra chips – could add up to 10lb of weight gain per year, impacting on your health and wellbeing.

This leaflet outlines the effects of smoking on mental wellbeing; shows how quitting will make you feel better; describes how you can quit; and highlights where to get help and support. It is available from health promotion/improvement departments at local Health and Social Care Trusts.

This quarterly report provides epidemiological data on C. difficile in Northern Ireland, and includes key points, a comprehensive overview of all C. diff infections, rates, trends, age-specific information and statistical process control charts.

Phase 2 summary report for the review of Allied Health Professions (AHP) support for children/young people with a statement of special educational needs (SEN)

New HSC R&D Strategy launched

Health Minister Simon Hamilton today published the new research and development (R&D) strategy for the Health and Social Care (HSC) sector. With investment of over £10million annually, the new strategy aims to enhance the health, wellbeing and prosperity of people in Northern Ireland through world renowned research and development.

Mental health poster to support campaign.