The Public Health Agency (PHA) and partner organisations are hosting a scientific conference focusing on how public health innovations, research and practice meet the diverse needs of our population. The conference, taking place on Monday 16 June 2014, recognises that diversity is about individual as well as group differences, treating people as individuals, and placing positive value on diversity in the community and workforce.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 12 to 18 May, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to seek help for any mental health problems they may be experiencing. Almost one in five people in Northern Ireland show signs of a possible mental health problem. Anxiety, one of the leading causes of mental ill-health in the world, is the theme of this year’s awareness week.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today marking International Nurses’ Day by recognising the role nurses play in providing treatment, care and support to patients across health and social care settings. This comes as feedback to date provided through 10,000 Voices, the PHA’s ongoing initiative to enable patients, as well as their families and carers, to share their overall experience of health and social care, has demonstrated this with a large number of patients stating that their experience of nursing and midwifery care has been positive.

We only get one chance to have our dying wishes met, that’s why during Dying Matters Awareness Week (12 -18 May 2014) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to take the opportunity to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement with those closest to them.

A stunning and innovative exhibition of contemporary artwork by older people is now on display in Altnagelvin Area Hospital. ‘In Full Bloom’ will showcase art by older people from throughout Northern Ireland who, over the last three months, have had the opportunity to explore and experiment with different art forms as part of the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Arts Care ‘Here and Now’ festival of arts and older people. The festival aimed to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people by supporting them to access and participate in high quality arts activity.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today, on World Ovarian Cancer Day, urging women to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and to seek medical help if they experience any of these symptoms. Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: “Ovarian cancer is more common in women over the age of 50 and affects around 150 women in Northern Ireland each year, but all too often it is diagnosed late, which has an impact on chances of survival.

With exams getting under way, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents and guardians to support their children’s emotional wellbeing during what can be a stressful time. A certain level of stress is entirely normal, however some students can feel particularly pressured to achieve good results and this can have a significant impact on how they feel. Madeline Heaney, Regional Lead for Mental Health Promotion with the PHA, said: “The possible impact of exam stress on mental and emotional wellbeing should not be underestimated.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today publishing the results of a point-prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and antimicrobial (antibiotic) use in long-term care facilities in Northern Ireland. The survey, known as HALT 2013, is part of a larger, similar survey conducted across Europe in 2013.