PHA publishes organ donation survey findings

The Public Health Agency (PHA) will today [Wednesday 16 October] reveal the findings from its public attitudes research on organ donation and transplantation in Northern Ireland. Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA and Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee for Organ Donation and Transplantation, said: “Organ donation really is the gift of life. The generosity of donors and their families enhances or saves the lives of recipients across Northern Ireland.

Maternity

It is recognised that pregnancy and labour are normal physiological events. However the recording, monitoring and communication of vital signs are an integral part of maternity care. Due to the altered physiology in pregnancy the early detection of severe illness in the antenatal or postnatal period remains a challenge for all involved.

On Global Handwashing Day remember to wash your hands

As the winter months are approaching, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Global Handwashing Day on 15 October to remind people of the need to maintain good hand hygiene. This will help to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading winter viruses such as influenza and norovirus Hand washing with soap and warm water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections which can cause inconvenience and in some cases lead to serious illness.

Seasonal influenza (flu) surveillance MOVED to Respiratory infections page

Influenza (commonly referred to as 'flu') is a respiratory illness associated with infection by influenza virus. The symptoms of infection commonly include: a headache, fever, cough, sore throat and myalgia (aching muscles and joints) and can result in severe illness for certain people who are ‘at risk’, including the elderly and those with certain medical conditions.

Those defined as ‘at risk’ include:

New community gym will improve health and wellbeing in Lisburn

Health Minister Edwin Poots MLA and Olympian Dame Mary Peters have jointly opened a new community gym in Lisburn established to improve the health and wellbeing of local people. Lagan View Community Gym in Old Warren is jointly funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Resurgam Community Development Trust. The gym will offer the people in the area an opportunity to try a wide range of activities such as cycling, rowing and weight training.

Seasonal flu vaccination programme gets underway

October marks the beginning of autumn and the official start of the seasonal flu vaccination programme for 2013/2014. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all people whose health could be seriously affected by flu to get the free flu vaccine. GPs across Northern Ireland will be inviting the over 65s, pregnant women, and children and adults with some serious medical conditions to have the flu vaccine as flu can be particularly serious for these groups.

Know your breasts and think about attending for screening when invited – it could save your life

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all women to be ‘breast aware’ and to think about attending for screening when invited. In 2011/12 a total of 76,179 women aged 50–70 were invited for screening with 55,819 attending. This means that more than a quarter of women who were invited did not take up the offer of screening mammography.

PHA highlights stop smoking services in support of ‘Stoptober’

Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness, premature death and health inequality throughout Northern Ireland with around 2,300 people dying prematurely each year from smoking-related illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke and many cancers. With this in mind the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all local smokers to support ‘Stoptober’ – a campaign running in England and Wales to encourage smokers to go smoke-free during the month of October.
Subscribe to