On International Nurses’ Day, 10,000 Voices demonstrates level of appreciation felt for nurses

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.

Art work of older people ‘In Full Bloom’ in Altnagelvin Area Hospital

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.

Splenectomy patient leaflet

This leaflet is for patients who have no functioning spleen. It explains their condition and outlines some important information that patients with no functioning spleen need to know. 

This leaflet is for patients who have no functioning spleen. It explains their condition and outlines some important information that patients with no functioning spleen need to know. 

Splenectomy wallet card

This wallet card is for patients who have no functioning spleen to carry with them. It allows the patient to record their personal details and immunisations and is a quick pointer to healthcare staff if the patient is taken ill. It is available from GPs.

This wallet card is for patients who have no functioning spleen to carry with them. It allows the patient to record their personal details and immunisations and is a quick pointer to healthcare staff if the patient is taken ill. It is available from GPs.

Women urged to be ovarian cancer aware

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.

Parents encouraged to support young people during exam stress

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.

Survey aims to improve infection prevention and control practices and antibiotic use in nursing and residential homes

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.

Check your skin for change on Sun Awareness Week

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people during Sun Awareness Week (5 to 11 May 2014) to check their skin for signs of skin cancer.Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that begins in the skin and can spread to other organs in the body. The most common sign of malignant melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.

Northern Ireland Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Use in Long Term Care Facilities

The Northern Ireland Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Use in Long Term Care Facilities, also known as the ‘HALT’ survey was conducted as part of the 2013 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) European HALT survey.

In May 2013, 42 Northern Ireland long-term care facilities (nursing and residential homes) participated in a European point prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use. Thirty-one privately owned nursing homes and 11 HSC Trust-controlled residential homes took part.

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