Death and grief during the COVID-19 pandemic: supporting each other following the death of a colleague

Death and grieving in a care home during the COVID-19 pandemic: a guide to supporting staff, residents and their families

PHA recommends daily vitamin D supplement during lockdown

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is recommending that everyone take vitamin D supplements during the lockdown period to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for everyone and we get it from two main sources, sunlight and food. Caroline Bloomfield, the PHA’s lead on Nutrition and Healthy Eating, said: “During the coronavirus pandemic the government has advised that we all stay at home, and while many of us will actually be outdoors more than usual if we have gardens or go outside for our once-daily exercise, for some the lockdown will mean spending much

You are not alone - breastfeeding support is still available during COVID-19

COVID-19 is affecting all our lives and there is a lot we need to get used to. If you are pregnant or you have just given birth, this can be a particularly worrying time. But as we are all spending much more time in our homes, this can present a great opportunity to start and continue to breastfeed. Janet Calvert, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “We know that breastfeeding mums need support and with the reduction of home visits from health professionals we want to make sure you know you are not on your own. “Breastmilk provides all the nutrients your baby

Verification of life extinct in nursing or residential care homes

Get vaccinated when invited for routine immunisations during COVID-19

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people who are invited for routine vaccinations to be aware that it is more important than ever to take up the opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The call comes during World Immunisation Week (24-30 April) which highlights the importance of vaccines in protecting society against many lethal vaccine-preventable diseases. Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Vaccines save millions of lives every year and are well recognised as being one of the most successful public health interventions in the world. “In Northern

Contact tracing to help limit second wave of coronavirus

A new contact tracing programme for Covid-19 to help examine how Northern Ireland can limit the impact of a second wave of the disease is being launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA). From Monday 27 April, the PHA will begin a pilot programme of contact tracing which will help inform the planned roll out of Northern Ireland-wide contact tracing. Dr Jackie Hyland, Health Protection Consultant at the PHA, said: “The aim of contact tracing is to identify clusters of infection and prevent further spread of Covid-19. “The contact tracing in the pilot programme will focus on priority groups
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