Pseudomonas update Monday 23 January

To date, six babies have been confirmed to have been infected with Pseudomonas in the outbreak at the neonatal intensive care unit in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJMH). Today, a further baby within the unit is also being treated as potentially infected.Although laboratory results have yet to be confirmed, doctors have a high index of suspicion and are treating the baby on clinical grounds. The total number of babies who have the Pseudomonas bacteria on their skin is now six. It is not causing active infection in these babies.

PHA funds new sexual orientation awareness training

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is helping to raise awareness and understanding of the issues affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people by funding a series of training workshops for healthcare professionals across the Northern region. The training will also include appropriate information on assistance and support, which can be offered to improve the health and wellbeing of local LGB people.

Cervical cancer screening saves lives

Each year around 90 women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 30 women die from the disease. During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22-28 January 2012) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on all women to attend for cervical screening when invited, as it could literally save lives. It is estimated that in a well screened population, four out of five cervical cancers can be prevented.

Pseudomonas update Sunday 22 January

Futher tests for Pseudomonas have not shown any new cases of infection in the outbreak at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital, and the total remains at six. The neonatal network is currently managing well. Some mothers due to give birth or babies who require special neonatal care, may be transferred to another unit, as would be normal practice. This will be on the basis of specialist, clinical advice to ensure babies receive the most appropriate care.

Pseudomonas update Saturday 21 January

Health Minister Edwin Poots today said the Health Service is continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that safe, specialist neonatal care remains available for all babies, following a recent outbreak of Pseudomonas in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital Further testing now shows the numbers of confirmed infected cases of Pseudomonas to be six, as opposed to the previously reported figure of seven. There have been no new confirmed cases of pseudomonas infection.

Pseudomonas update Friday 20 January

Health Minister Edwin Poots was this afternoon (Friday) briefed by senior figures across the health service on measures being taken to deal with the outbreak of Pseudomonas in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital. Seven babies who have been nursed in the neonatal unit have had Pseudomonas infection. Three have sadly died. One baby is currently undergoing treatment and is doing well, two have been treated and have already recovered. Another baby recovered from Pseudomonas but sadly subsequently died of unrelated causes.

Carbon monoxide kills – protect yourself and your family

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can kill. In the winter months, when people use their heating appliances more frequently, there are often more cases/incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to have their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances, such as boilers, heaters and cookers checked by an appropriately registered engineer, particularly if you haven’t had it serviced in the last year in order to reduce the risk of CO exposure.

Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin, Northern Ireland, Weeks 1 and 2 (2 -15 January 2012)

Five Nations Health Protection Conference

The Five Nations Health Protection Conference is taking place on 1 and 2 May 2012 at the Europa Hotel, Belfast. The conference will address important public health issues that have arisen since the last meeting and provide fresh perspectives on established areas of disease prevention and control. Short papers on the themed sessions will also be presented by those actively working in Health Protection.

Further informtion is available at www.5nations.com and the call for papers and registration form can be downloaded below.

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