Surveillance of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Northern Ireland Re

This leaflet outlines how staff in primary care settings can help people who self-harm to access SHIP (the self-harm intervention programme) for counselling and support.

This leaflet outlines how people who self-harm can be referred to SHIP (the Self-harm Intervention Programme) for support and counselling. The programme aims to equip them with new ways of coping with problems.

Public health advice during cold spell

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued advice for people to look after themselves and others following the yellow warning for snow and ice this week. Dr Anna Cullen, Public Health Doctor at the PHA, said: “As temperatures drop we know winter is fast approaching and with snow and ice predicted for this week, this is a good opportunity to plan ahead to try to reduce its impact. “For some people the onset of the cold weather can bring particular hazards. Vulnerable and older people can find it difficult to get out to the shops or to keep their house adequately heated, putting them at risk.

Working together to keep antibiotics working

This year during World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November) the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) are reminding the public of the importance of working together to keep antibiotics working. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) means antibiotics are becoming less effective at treating the bacterial infections they are needed for. We use more antibiotics than we need to and this overuse is making bacteria more resistant. If we continue in this way, we could face a return to the days before antibiotics were

This leaflet contains information around looking after yourself and how lifestyle factors can impact on getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.

Annual quality reports are a recommendation of the Department of Health in line with the implementation of the Q2020 Strategy - 

Your best shot at avoiding unnecessary illness this winter

Getting your yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccines lowers your chances of having serious complications or dying from these diseases. This is especially true for people who are at high risk of complications. The message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) is clear –if you are eligible, get vaccinated now. Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, said: “If you are at risk and in one of the eligible groups for the winter vaccines, don’t delay in getting vaccinated, as it could mean the difference between life or death this winter. “Every winter in Northern Ireland

PHA issues baby bath seat warning

Bath time is a fun and essential part of a child's routine, but it’s also a moment when water safety is crucial. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is supporting the Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS UK) campaign ‘Splash Safety at Your Pad’ to help ensure all parents and guardians know how to keep their child safe while in the bath and to highlight the risks of baby bath seats. Deirdre Ward, Nurse Consultant at the PHA, said: “We know from data in England that the number of children sadly drowning in the bath has increased. Many of these tragic deaths were of children five and under, and a number

Lung cancer awareness month: be aware of the signs and symptoms

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 people diagnosed in 2021. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA, said: “Lung cancer is more common in people over 50, but no matter what age you are, it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer as spotting it early could make a huge difference.” Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: a