RISE: supporting children’s health, development and learning together

A new regional integrated health and social care service working directly in mainstream primary schools supporting children has been launched today (Thursday 18 May). ‘RISE’ (Regional Integrated Support for Education) will enable staff from the health and social care and education sectors to work closely together to help children access learning and enhance their development to reach their full potential.

Let’s deal with dementia together!

‘Let’s unite against dementia’ is the message from health and social care professionals during Dementia Awareness Week 2016 (14-20 May). The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) are working jointly with the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia NI and Health and Social Care Trusts to promote a culture which ensures people with dementia are supported to live with dignity and without stigma.

This factsheet provides information for health professionals on the Humanpapillomavirus(HPV) immunisation programme for young people aged 12-13 years.

This leaflet provides information on the importance of good dental care for people living with a dementia and advice for carers.

This guide aims to provide you with information on how the eating, drinking and swallowing of a person with a dementia may be affected. It includes sections on:

  • Memory and concentration
  • Coordination
  • Swallowing
  • Behaviours displayed at mealtimes

Home accident prevention showcased at this year’s Balmoral Show

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. However, accidents can easily be prevented by being aware of the dangers and hazards that are present in the home environment and taking steps to minimise the risks. At this year’s Balmoral Show (10–13 May 2017) the Public Health Agency (PHA) in association with local councils in Northern Ireland are hosting a stand to raise awareness of home accident prevention.

Hospital Passport for people with a learning disability launched

A new Regional Hospital Passport has been launched to help improve the experience of hospital visits for people with a learning disability. The Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with the Regional General Hospital Forum for Learning Disabilities, health and social care trusts, and people with a learning disability and their carers, developed the passport folder which holds details about the patient’s likes, dislikes, how best to communicate with them and other helpful information.

This HSC Hospital Passport has been developed by the PHA and the Regional General Hospital Forum for Learning Disability for people with a learning disability to complete (with or without help) and present to staff every time they have contact with a general hospital. It gives staff important information on the person and how they prefer to communicate, their medical history and any support they might need while in hospital. Staff can then make any reasonable adjustments in order to provide the best possible care for people with a learning disability.

Mental Health Awareness Week – Take 5

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to use Mental Health Awareness Week (8-14 May) to take time out to think about mental health and steps we can take to improve it. Fiona Teague, Health Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: “We are encouraging people to use Mental Health Awareness Week as an opportunity to think about how they can improve their mental health. We all know that it is important to look after our physical health but it is also really important that we don’t neglect our mental health.