The Public Health Agency (PHA) has welcomed today’s announcement by Health Minister Edwin Poots that Northern Ireland-based researchers will benefit from new opportunities created through contributing annually to England’s National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). The funding commitment will enable researchers based in Northern Ireland to compete in selected research programmes alongside colleagues from across the UK.

In June 2011 the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Edwin Poots MLA, announced a review of Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland. This review examined the provision of a range of health services, including acute hospital configuration and primary health care. The Minister's Department will publish key documents and latest news about Transforming Your Care on its website at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk

Mid Ulster Councils, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and two health trusts have joined forces to launch the ‘Make a Change’ project, working with local unemployed people to help improve their physical activity, nutrition, mental health and wellbeing.

The PHA is urging everyone in Northern Ireland to join forces to support National Transplant Awareness Week, which runs from 9-15 July. The theme for this year’s National Transplant Awareness Week is ‘Pass it On’, which is about encouraging others to sign the Register and most importantly expressing their wishes to family and friends. Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency and Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee for Organ Donation, said: “I have signed the NHS Organ Donor Register, and told my friends and families… have you?”

Leading sports personalities are asking men facing problems to seek immediate help and support by ringing Lifeline 0808 808 8000, the regional crisis counselling helpline service. Heartfelt messages have been recorded by football, Gaelic football and rugby stars as part of a new radio advertising campaign aimed at men, as well as women who have an influence in their lives.

Now that schools are finished for the summer and parents are thinking of activities to keep their children entertained, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding families about the importance of washing hands after visiting the farm. All animals naturally carry a range of organisms, some of which can be transmitted to people. Some organisms which may be contracted on farms present a serious hazard and can potentially cause severe infection, particularly in young children.

As part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (NBAW), the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Southern Office, hosted a breastfeeding coffee morning at Daisy Hill Hospital on Thursday 28 June to celebrate ‘Breastfeeding Peer Support’. Janet Calvert, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager and Lead for Breastfeeding with the PHA, said: “Breastfeeding gives a child the best possible start in life and babies have better protection against certain illnesses the longer breastfeeding continues.

Flooding has affected a number of areas across Northern Ireland causing disruption and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the potential public health risks associated with flash flooding.