PHA cluster assessment shows cases in both workplace and community settings

An analysis of COVID-19 clusters across Northern Ireland by the Public Health Agency (PHA) has shown that they are occurring in both workplaces and communities. Since 25 th May 2020, when the contact tracing pilot ended and the full test and trace programme went live, 23 clusters have been identified in total, 11 of which remain open. 168 cases of COVID-19 have been associated with these clusters. Nine clusters have had five or more cases associated with them. A cluster is currently defined as two or more laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among individuals associated with a key setting

Online feedback platform Care Opinion launches today in Northern Ireland

From today service users, families and carers will have the opportunity to share their experience of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland (HSC) through an online user feedback platform called Care Opinion. Care Opinion is an independent non-profit feedback platform for HSC, supported by Department of Health and implemented by the Public Health Agency (PHA), which will enable users, and their families, to give feedback on their care and share their stories with others. The Health Minister said: "Care Opinion is an important tool that will help us deliver enhancements but for it to work as

PHA comes out in support of LGBTQ+ community during Belfast Pride Week

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is looking forward to taking part in the virtual Pride Parade on Saturday 1 August to mark the end of Belfast Pride week. Fiona Teague Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing lead in the PHA, said: “PHA is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and we want to take the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the organisations that are doing great work, supporting the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community, which receive funding from the PHA. “Research has shown that overall, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or transgender community are more likely to

Supporting care home staff through rainbow boxes

Rainbow Rooms have been introduced across Care Homes in Northern Ireland to help and support staff who have done so much for our loved ones during the pandemic. The Rainbow Rooms idea was adopted from the rainbow symbol of solidarity used by the NHS/HSC during the current pandemic. The rooms will provide some much needed space and quiet time for staff during difficult periods resulting from the pandemic. Rainbow Room resource boxes will be delivered to each of the 483 care homes across Northern Ireland over the coming weeks and are filled with information and advice on health and wellbeing

World Hepatitis Day – Northern Ireland striving to eliminate hepatitis B and C

Northern Ireland is well placed to meet the World Health Organisation goal of eliminating hepatitis B and C by 2030 – that’s the message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) today on World Hepatitis Day. One of the main ways of reaching this goal is making people aware of the risks of contracting the viruses and encouraging anyone who thinks they may be at risk of having contracted hepatitis to get tested and seek treatment. Dr Gillian Armstrong, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Hepatitis B and C can be serious, potentially life-threatening infections. “There are many people

PHA statement 23 July

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is aware of ongoing speculation around current clusters of COVID-19 across Northern Ireland. As we said in our statement yesterday (22/07/2020) we will not be commenting on individual cases of COVID-19 or going into the detail of every incident that emerges, as this could lead to people being identified, create stigma and focus attention on individuals, families or groups, and therefore deter others with symptoms coming forward to be tested. As we move through the coronavirus pandemic, clusters of cases are expected. This is why the Test, Trace and Protect
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