The Public Health Agency (PHA) is working with the HSENI and Bloomfield Collegiate School in Belfast following findings of a survey by the school which indicated that damaged asbestos was present in parts of the former Preparatory Department building. This building is separate from the main school and includes two rooms which were rented out to a private day care nursery. The PHA understands that work carried out in the building in 2001 may have caused the damage to the insides of cupboards.

As part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (NBAW), the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Southern Office, hosted a breastfeeding coffee morning at Craigavon Area Hospital, on Tuesday 26 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.

With the end of term approaching and exams nearing completion, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents to talk to their child about the risks associated with drinking alcohol. Thousands of students will complete their exams soon, so the PHA is advising parents to be aware of how their children plan to celebrate, stressing the dangers of underage drinking and the importance of sticking to the limits, for those who have reached the legal age to drink.

As part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) today [Tuesday 26 June] launched a new Breastfeeding Peer Support CD to train those who volunteer to help breastfeeding mums. As part of the event, which took place in Antrim, recently qualified volunteers will receive their certificates for completing the PHA regional breastfeeding peer support programme.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is investigating a suspected case of meningococcal infection involving a child who attends St Patrick’s Primary school in Legamaddy, near Downpatrick. The PHA is working with the school to ensure all appropriate public health actions are taken. Letters and information leaflets about meningococcal infection are also being distributed to parents and staff at the school.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is investigating a confirmed case of meningococcal infection and a further probable case of infection involving children who attend Our Lady and St Patrick primary school in Downpatrick. The PHA is working with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) and the school to ensure all appropriate public health actions are taken.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (NBAW), which runs from 24 to 30 June to highlight that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mum and baby, and that by deciding to breastfeed you will be giving your child the best possible start in life. Indeed, any period of breastfeeding, however short, will benefit your baby.

The days may be on the turn now that the summer solstice has passed, but there’s still plenty of time to make use of the summer months to get out and get active, even if it is raining. That is the message from the Public Health Agency (PHA), which says that getting out and about and spending time with family and friends can help your mood.