There are no confirmed cases of monkeypox in Northern Ireland. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is aware of the cases of monkeypox in England and is in regular contact with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) regarding the situation and a multidisciplinary incident management team (IMT) has been established here to ensure that we are fully prepared for any potential risk to the population of Northern Ireland. Dr Gillian Armstrong, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Monkeypox is usually a mild self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks. “The infection can be passed

Friday 20 May is International Clinical Trials Day and the HSC R&D Division within the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using it to celebrate those who take part in and champion research. International Clinical Trials Day is held on 20 May each year to commemorate the day that James Lind started what is often considered the first randomised clinical trial, aboard a ship on 20 May 1747. 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. This year to mark

New figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA) show that the Take Home Naloxone programme saw naloxone administered 256 times in 2020-21 and was successful in reversing an opioid overdose in over 90% of cases. Naloxone, supplied in a small syringe, is injected intramuscularly and can be administered by anyone in an emergency overdose situation. Since April 2014, Take Home Naloxone has been successful in reversing 829 opiate overdoses. In 2020-21, it reversed 231 overdoses. The Public Health Agency, with support from the Department of Health, coordinates the Take Home Naloxone programme. Davis

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is continuing to work with counterparts in other jurisdictions as part of a UK-wide investigation being led by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) into cases of hepatitis (liver inflammation) in children in which the common viruses which usually cause hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, C, D or E) have not been detected. The agency is working with HSC partners to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, so that any children who may be affected can be identified early and the appropriate tests carried out. As of the 10 May the number of confirmed cases in Northern

The COVID-19 spring booster vaccination programme got underway last month in nursing homes, but with the majority of GP practices having just begun vaccinating their eligible patients; the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging those eligible to look out for their invite. GPs will be vaccinating eligible patients aged 75 years or older, so it’s important to make yourself aware of your own GP practices arrangements. As well as people aged 75 years and over, the spring booster will be offered to residents in care homes for older people, and those aged 12 years and over with weakened immune systems

The Public Health Agency has today launched a new public awareness campaign to prepare people for the introduction of ‘Dáithí’s Law’ from next spring 2023. The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, to be known as ‘Dáithí’s Law’, received Royal Assent in March 2022. Named after 5-year-old organ donation campaigner Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who has been awaiting the gift of a new heart for nearly four years, the new law will change the system of organ donation in Northern Ireland to an opt-out system. This means, in the event that organ donation is a possibility after

During Mental Health Awareness Week (9-15 May) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of ways to tackle loneliness and the impact it can have mental and emotional wellbeing. A range of support services are available and there are also steps people can take to support themselves and others who are feeling lonely. Fiona Teague, Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing lead at the PHA, said: “While loneliness is a feeling we can all relate to, sometimes admitting we feel lonely is much harder. Many of us experienced feelings of loneliness and the isolating effect of the COVID-19

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is continuing to work with counterparts in other jurisdictions as part of a UK-wide investigation being led by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) into cases of hepatitis (liver inflammation) in children in which the common viruses which usually cause hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, C, D or E) have not been detected. The agency is working with HSC partners to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, so that any children who may be affected can be identified early and the appropriate tests carried out. The number of confirmed and possible cases in Northern

This Sun Awareness Week (2-8 May), the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are sharing top tips on getting the best from your sunscreen and reducing your risk of skin cancer. The Solar UV Index shows how much solar radiation is reaching us from the sun and how careful we need to be. UV levels vary with the seasons and time of day, but when the UV index is three or above we need to protect our skin and eyes, so it’s important to know what the UV index is going to be throughout the day. Denise McCallion, Health Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “It’s that time of