The Public Health Agency (PHA) and colleagues from the Neonatal Network Northern Ireland (NNNI) have launched a new video highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding and showcasing the support that is available to mums and families of premature babies and babies in neonatal units to encourage them to breastfeed in those early days. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said : “Breast milk is important for all babies and is particularly beneficial for premature babies and those who need extra support in the neonatal unit. There are significant clinical benefits to giving

This Bike Week (5-11 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to get cycling and start to feel the benefits of getting more active by simply fitting it in to their daily routine. For many people cycling is something they might not have done in a while and Bike Week is the ideal time to get back in the saddle. Gerard Walls, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Officer at the PHA, said: “Cycling is growing in popularity because not only is it a fun and easy method of transport but it’s also a great way to get moving more and will help to improve your physical and mental health

A new campaign focusing on the importance of getting the best from your sunscreen and reducing your risk of skin cancer has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. ‘Care in the sun’ is running in community pharmacies throughout June and July as part of the Living Well service. Living Well is offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland and provides information and advice on public health issues. It is delivered in partnership by the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH). Denise McCallion, Health Improvement

Accidents are the main cause of death for children post-infancy, with many occurring in the home. During Child Safety Week (5-11 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of accidents that can happen in the home and providing tips to help prevent them. Janine Gaston, the PHA’s Regional Lead on Home Accident Prevention, said: "In Northern Ireland in a typical week, two people die as a result of home accidents. In addition to these deaths, there are approximately 17,000 admissions to hospital each year as a result of unintentional injuries. “We also know that home accidents are

This year’s COVID-19 spring booster is being offered to individuals aged five years and over with a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed). The Public Health Agency (PHA) would therefore like to take this opportunity to encourage those people to take up the offer to prolong protection already received from initial COVID-19 vaccinations, ahead of any potential wave of the virus over the summer months. Immunosuppressed individuals include, but are not limited to, those undergoing cancer treatments leading to immunosuppression, solid organ transplant recipients, bone marrow or stem cell

Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are offering the COVID-19 spring booster vaccine to some eligible cohorts. The spring booster vaccine will help to prolong protection already received from initial COVID-19 vaccinations, ahead of any potential wave of the virus over the summer months. This year’s spring booster will be offered to: Residents in a care home. Adults aged 75 years and over. Individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “COVID-19 is more serious in older people and in

Clinical research is now the foundation of healthcare and is made possible thanks to the support and commitment of patients working in partnership with researchers and healthcare professionals. The Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Research & Development (R&D) Division supports researchers based in Northern Ireland by creating, funding and enabling research that ultimately aims to improve care for everyone who uses health and social care services. Dr Daniel Butler who has a General Practice Academic Research Training Fellowship is currently seconded to the Northern Ireland Clinical Primary Care