Poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s labour market and poverty rates have deteriorated in the last five years, in addition to longstanding issues of mental health and community divisions – and welfare reforms are likely to exacerbate these problems.��New research��by the New Policy Institute for JRF brings together the latest data to show the extent and nature of poverty in Northern Ireland (NI), focusing on the links between poverty, work, disability and age. It finds that:��•��between 2006/07 and 2011/12 the average (median) income in NI fell by almost 10 per cent compared with 7 per cent for the UK as a whole;��•��the proportion of unemployed working-age people in NI almost doubled between 2007/08 and 2012/13 to reach 5.8 per cent. Growth in the proportion working part-time and wanting full-time work has been greater – up from 1.7 per cent, the same as in Great Britain (GB), to 4.4 per cent (compared with 3.5 per cent in GB);��•��the proportion of pensioners in poverty in NI fell from 19 per cent to 16 per cent in the five years to 2011/12. The poverty rate rose over this period for working-age adults and children;��•��in the five years to 2011/12, the poverty rate among adults aged 16 to 29 rose by 8 percentage points to reach 26 per cent. Poverty has also increased among those aged 30 to 59, solely among those in working families.��For more information about this research and forthcoming work, please contact Aleks Collingwood, programme manager:��Aleks.Collingwood@jrf.org.uk

Census 2011 Ireland and Northern Ireland: Key findings

Following publication of the individual Census 2011 results from the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI), the Central Statistics Office and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency have teamed up to produce a comparative report, Census 2011 Ireland and Northern Ireland. The report presents comparative analysis in a��range of areas including demographics, households, place of birth, religion, health, housing and��travel. Some key findings relevant to ageing and older people across the island of Ireland are summarised in this document:��Census 2011 Ireland and Northern Ireland: Key findings

Carer-reported health conditions among seven-year-old children in Northern Ireland in 2011: A report based on data from the Millennium Cohort Study

The Institute of Public health in Ireland (IPH) produces population prevalence estimates and forecasts for a number of chronic conditions among adults. IPH has now applied the methodology to examine health conditions among young children across the island of Ireland.This report uses information collected from parents in the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) along with population data collected in the 2011 Northern Ireland Census to estimate the prevalence of any longstanding condition, asthma, eczema, sight problems and hearing problems among seven-year-olds in Northern Ireland in 2011. The analysis identifies risk factors associated with each condition and provides estimates of the prevalence of these conditions for each of the 11 Local Government Districts.A report on health conditions among three-year-olds in the Republic of Ireland has previously been published by the IPH.See the Chronic Conditions Hub for more details.

Health Inequalities across Northern France and South East England

The aim of the project was to analyse available data from routine sources and local health surveys to compare health and health-related behaviour in the populations of South East England and North France focusing particularly on health inequalities and social cohesion. The project compared the availability and accessibility of health-related programmes in each country.

Surveillance of influenza in Northern Ireland 2010-11

This report describes influenza activity in Northern Ireland in the 2010-11 winter flu season period.

Epidemiology of tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: Annual surveillance report 2008

This report presents the epidemiological data for tuberculosis cases reported in Northern Ireland from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008.

A Delphi study to identify research priorities for the therapy professions in Northern Ireland

A study by the University of Ulster, funded by Health and Social Care Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency, enabled members of six Allied Health Professions (AHPs) to express opinions on research needs within their areas of expertise.The respondents to 'A Delphi Study to Identify Research Priorities for the Therapy Professions in Northern Ireland', were selected from professionals based in clinical and academic settings in the areas of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, podiatry, nutrition and dietetics and orthoptics. The views of a group of key stakeholders in health and social care and a separate panel of service users were also gathered. A copy of this report, and an Executive Summary,�can be downloaded below.

HIV and STI surveillance in Northern Ireland 2011: An analysis of data for the calendar year 2010

This annual analysis of data provides an overview of HIV and STI epidemiology in Northern Ireland for the calendar year 2010. Information from a variety of sources is collated and analysed in detail, while any evident trends over time are highlighted�with�graphs and tables. As well as a general summary of STI diagnoses and a number of overall conclusions, the report looks specifically at each of the following STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and HIV.

Regional Guideline on the Use of Observation and Therapeutic Engagement in Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Facilities in Northern Ireland

Regional Guideline on the Use of Observation and Therapeutic Engagement in Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Facilities in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Registry of Deliberate Self-Harm Western area Annual Report 2010

This is the fourth report from the Northern Ireland Registry of Deliberate Self-Harm since its pilot stage in 2007. The NI Registry is part of the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy "Protect Life - A Shared Vision?. The NI Registry is a collaboration with the National Registry of Deliberate Self-harm in the Republic of Ireland which has been operating since 2000.

Care pathway and model for community forensic teams in Northern Ireland

Care pathway and model for community forensic teams in Northern Ireland, October, 2011.

Northern Ireland regional breastfeeding peer support training

This resource�has been produced for breastfeeding coordinators and breastfeeding peer support trainers who provide training for peer support volunteers. �� The resource has been distributed by PHA directly to those involved in breastfeeding peer support programmes in Northern Ireland. Further copies can be requested as applicable from Lesley Blackstock at: Lesley.blackstock@hscni.net The CD supports delivery of eight peer support teaching sessions (two hours each), which meet Open College Network NI requirements for certification at Level 2, credit value 3. The resource contains background information, support materials, lesson plans, Powerpoint presentations, DVD clips and worksheets for peer supporters. � Please note this resource is only suitable for individuals involved in delivering breastfeeding peer support in Northern Ireland.�

Quality Standards for the Delivery of Specialist Stop Smoking Services in Northern Ireland September 2011

Cigarette smoking is the major cause of preventable ill health in Northern Ireland. It accounts for 2400 premature deaths every year. Fifty percent or one in every two smokers will die prematurely due to their addiction; many will suffer chronic ill health and poor quality of life before their death (DHSSPS, 2007; ASH, 2008). Approximately 340,000 people smoke in Northern Ireland or 24% of the population over 16yrs. The Public Health Agency (PHA) commissions specialist stop smoking services across Northern Ireland. It has enabled the establishment of specialist stop smoking services in a range of settings including GP practices, pharmacies, hospitals and community settings. Tobacco control activities are overseen locally by the PHA's Tobacco Control Groups. The multi-agency groups oversee and advise on tobacco control initiatives.All stop smoking services are required to comply with the requirements of 18 standards. This report highlights the standards.

Stop, Look and Cook: recipe book for schools in Northern Ireland

Nutrition is central to health and children's diets can be an important influence now and in the future. Stop, Look and Cook is a new recipe book for use by catering staff in all grant-aided nursery, primary and post-primary schools in Northern Ireland.�Recipes have been collected from school caterers across the region. These recipes have been checked to ensure that they are compliant with nutritional standards for school lunches and have been tested in schools for taste and suitability. In addition all the recipes have been analysed by the PHA using a nutritional software package, with a particular focus on fat, salt and sugar.�This recipe book provides approximately 280 recipes, giving schools more choice for menus. It also contains useful advice for dealing with food allergies and supplying alternative meals for pupils from other cultures.For more information on Stop, Look and Cook please contact the school meals catering manager at your local Education and Library Board.�

Surveillance of influenza in Northern Ireland

The influenza season started later than normal, clinical indices began to increase marginally in mid-February, much later than previous seasons, and activity remained very low throughout, with community syndromic indicators not reaching the baseline warning threshold during the season. The peak GP influenza-like illness consultation rates in 2011/12 were the lowest since surveillance began in Northern Ireland in 2000. No one age-group appeared predominantly affected, with low levels of activity in all age groups, however, GP consultation rates increased in both children and adults.Influenza A (H3) was the predominant strain of the virus circulating, with small numbers of the influenza B strain circulating later in the season. Unlike the 2010/11 season when Influenza A (H1N1)2009 strain dominated in Northern Ireland, there were no detections of this subtype in 2011/12; virological activity generally corresponded to clinical activity.There were however, patients with confirmed influenza admitted to Intensive care units, across Northern Ireland during the season. Numbers were low, the average age of these patients increased compared with the previous season and one fatality was reported in this group.The proportion of over 65 year olds who received the 2011/12 seasonal influenza vaccine was 77.0%, and in those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years was 81.7%, both of these vaccination uptake figures were a slight increase on the previous year. Influenza vaccine uptake in frontline healthcare workers also increased marginally this season to 20.8%, as did the proportion of pregnant women vaccinated during the season.