Public health advice ahead of Storm Éowyn

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising people to look after themselves and others following the red and amber weather warnings issued ahead of Storm Éowyn . A red weather warning means there is a risk to life and as such the public should stay and home and not travel during this time. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “With Storm Éowyn set to bring extremely strong winds, a drop in temperature and potential disruption, it’s important to plan ahead to try to reduce its impact. “For some people the onset of cold and windy weather can bring particular hazards. For

“If it wasn’t for screening, I probably wouldn’t be here today” – Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (21–28 January), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited. Katrina Jones from Belfast went for her routine cervical smear test in 2022 and after further investigations, found out she had cervical cancer. Katrina said: “I just went for a routine smear test and didn’t think anything of it. They called me back and I then had a biopsy. I could actually tell by the look on their faces that I had cancer. “I was expecting to be told I had cancer but thought I’d maybe have a few little

Promoting equality and inclusion: the HSC regional LGBTQ+ staff forum

What is HSC regional LGBTQ+ staff forum? A confidential Forum to provide a safe and welcoming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people working within health and social care, create an inclusive environment, and improve wellbeing. The Public Health Agency is committed to promoting health and reducing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The Agency also recognises the central contribution that staff makes to the fabric of our health and social care services. With approximately 66,000 staff employed across all HSC settings, based on population estimates of Lesbian, Gay

Welcome to the Public Health Agency

The Lifeline 24/7 crisis intervention helpline will have its logo and phone number 0808 808 8000 on the back of the car of reigning Northern Ireland

Rallying support for mental health helpline

The PHA has teamed up with Steering Positive Minds to raise awareness of mental health support and crisis intervention.

About the Public Health Agency

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary organisation dedicated to improving and protecting the health of the population. As part of the health and social care family, we work closely with the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) of the Department of Health (DoH), local Health Trusts (HSC Trusts), the Business Services Organisation (BSO) and the Patient Client Council (PCC), and other partners to drive meaningful change across Northern Ireland. 

Guided by our vision of a healthier Northern Ireland, our purpose is to protect and improve the health and social wellbeing of our population.  We are committed to reducing health inequalities through leadership, partnership, and evidence-based practice.

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  • PHA Update

    28 April 2025

    The Public Health Agency has launched a monthly update. The aim of the PHA Update is to help maintain a source of regular communication with stakeholders on key areas of work.

  • Statistical profile of Children’s Health in Northern Ireland 2023/24

    25 April 2025

    The Children’s Health in Northern Ireland 2023/24 report breaks down indicators such as birth weight, maternal BMI, maternal smoking, breastfeeding status by various geographies and by deprivation...

  • Secondary school health app wallet card

    17 April 2025

    This wallet card is given to Year 8 students by the School Nursing Service. It directs students to https://apps4healthcareni.hscni.net/en-GB/helping-you-thrive-in-secondary-school which hosts apps to...

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  • The Public Health Agency’s ‘Talking really helps’ mass media campaign is running again in February and March 2025. The aim of the campaign is to encourage openness and talking in relation to feelings of anxiety, distress or crisis, increase help-seeking behaviour and reinforce the concept of recovery. 

  • The Public Health Agency produces a variety of statistical products, research, and analyses. 
     

     

  • Covid-19 genomics weekly report. This report describes and monitors the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) variants in Northern Ireland.

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How to make the most of your goals this year

This National Obesity Week [10 – 16 January], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting ways you can set realistic targets to help improve your health and wellbeing in 2025. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA said: “Many of us end up making the same New Year’s resolution every year – to start eating better and exercise more – only to give up after a short time because our targets aren’t sustainable. “Setting targets is important, however it is also important to be realistic. A sure-fire way to give-up quickly is to make your goals unattainable or

Home safety

Make time to get vaccinated this new year

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to take steps to reduce the spread of flu, COVID-19 and RSV – particularly by getting vaccinated if you are eligible. This reduces the risk of illness for you and those around you, and can also help with wider pressures on our health service this new year. The PHA is also reassuring everyone who is eligible for vaccination under the free HSC programme that sufficient stock of vaccines is available, so they shouldn’t delay in getting them. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “ Every year we

Stop smoking services wallet card

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 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. “However, there are steps we can take to

Free support on offer to help New Year smoking resolutions

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make it their New Year’s resolution to quit smoking and improve their health, with a range of free support available to help. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA , said: “The start of a new year provides a brilliant opportunity to make a fresh start and to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money, which is significant as people face tough times with the cost of living crisis
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