Are We Choosing Health? The Impact of policy on the delivery of health improvement programmes and services

The Audit Commission and Healthcare Commission have jointly published 'Are we choosing health? The impact of policy on the delivery of health improvement programmes and services'. The report assesses the impact government policy has had over the past decade on: narrowing health inequalities; improving sexual and mental health; and reducing smoking, alcohol misuse and obesity.

A Rapid Mapping Study of Smoking Projects and Services Targeted at People Living on Low Income and/or Minority Ethnic Groups

This is a study concerned with community based services aimed at smokers living on a low income and/or black and minority ethnic groups.

Inequities in cardiac services: a scoping review

This scoping review has been commissioned by the Policy Research Programme and briefly outlines the scope and quality of relevant literature relating to: 1) The investigation of inequalities in access to cardiac services in the U.K. since 1995; and 2) The effectiveness of interventions in the U.K. since 1995 to reduce inequalities in access to cardiac services

Services in disadvantaged areas: Statins report

NICE report: Proactive case finding and retention and improving access to services in disadvantaged areas (Health Inequalities). The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence was asked by the Department of Health to produce guidance for the NHS on public health interventions aimed at reducing the rate of premature death (defined by ONS as death

Performing better? A focus on sexual health services in England. Full report

This report draws attention to the extent of sexual ill health in England and the wide variation of levels of this ill health between different communities. It highlights relevant policy and initiatives underway to tackle sexual health across England.

Performing better? A focus on sexual health services in England: Summary

This summary identifies the issues, presents some findings from our pilot review, and highlights the key policies, guidance and initiatives aimed at improving sexual health services and sexual health in England. A more detailed analysis is in the full report.

Commissioning for equity. Stop gaps: equity of access to London's stop smoking services

This briefing looks at who is making use of NHS stop smoking services in the London area.

Family centred, school based intervention for the prevention of obesity in primary school-aged children

The aim of this pilot study was to develop, deliver and monitor a programme aimed at the prevention of obesity in primary school children. Objectives1. To develop a school-based / family-orientated intervention programme to prevent obesity in children under 10 years of age. 2. To implement an intervention programme that is acceptable and appropriate for primary school-aged children. 3. To monitor and evaluate the programme and determine if there is an appropriateintervention(s) to prevent obesity in primary school-aged children. 4. If a successful programme(s) is identified, disseminate this at a national level.

Internationalisation of Irish Education Services Report of Interdepartmental Working Group

Following Government approval of a proposal by the Minister for Education and Science, an interdepartmental group was established with the remit of considering the question of the ‘Internationalisation’ of Irish education services. Issues that arose in the context of the group’s work include quality assurance, immigration and visa issues and abuse of the system, need for better regulation, future marketing and promotion arrangements, academic and institutional supports for international students and scholarships.

Want to stop smoking

This poster was published as part of the 'Want to stop!' smoking cessation campaign that centred on the PHA's public information website www.want2stop.info The website also allows the user to create a personalised quit plan to suit their needs.

Want to stop smoking

This card was published as part of the 'Want to stop!' smoking cessation campaign that centred on the PHA's public information website www.want2stop.info The website also allows the user to create a personalised quit plan to suit their needs.

BDAWG Scoping Report: Drugs and alcohol services in Belfast

Mary Black, Assistant Director for Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement in the Public Health Agency, established the Belfast Drug and Alcohol Working Group in early 2010 to undertake a scoping exercise of drugs and alcohol services in Belfast, and to produce a report outlining their findings and making some recommendations as to how services could be better promoted, targeted, co-ordinated and ultimately improved.� This report is the culmination of a series of meetings and workshops (from June to November 2010) where members considered all of the available information in the context of what they, and the organisations they represent, consider to be the gaps and areas which could be improved upon for PHA to consider when taking forward alcohol and drug work and services over the next 5-year period (i.e. 2011-2016).� The report takes a systematic approach to scoping and compiling evidence on: funding of drug and alcohol services; information and awareness-raising; education and prevention; treatment and support; services for vulnerable groups; workforce development; skilling up and supporting of communities; reducing availability; tackling substance related crime; and coordination and information sharing. Each section of the report ends with an analysis of the gaps and recommendations for action, with all of the recommendations presented in a tabular format in Section 13.

Consultation on Personal and Public Involvement strategy

Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) is an integral element of effective commissioning and is underpinned by a core set of values and principles - involving and listening to people in order to help us make services better.It brings about a number of recognised benefits if fully embraced into our culture and practice, these include:Use of service user knowledge and expertise;Better priority setting and decision making;More responsive, appropriate, efficient and tailored services;Transformation and reduction of complaints;Increased levels of service satisfaction;Increased dignity and self worth.The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) have now developed a joint Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) Strategy after extensive engagement and discussion. The Strategy has been approved by both organisations and is now being formally consulted on during the period 23rd June 2011 to 15th September 2011.The Strategy is now available for your consideration. We have developed the following documents (please see attachments below):Valuing People, Valuing Their Participation. Involving You and Listening to You Consultation Document.Valuing People, Valuing Their Participation, Involving You and Listening to You. [An Easy Read version of the Personal and Public Involvement Strategy].Valuing People, Valuing Their Participation. [An Equality and Human Rights Screening of the Strategy].Key Questions to guide consideration of the Personal and Public Involvement Strategy.People are encouraged to read the Strategy and to let us have your views.� There is a set of Key Questions, but any comments, ideas and or suggestions that you may have, that could support us in our efforts to embed Personal and Public Involvement into our culture and practice, would be most welcome.Responses should be returned by 4.00pm on Thursday 15th September 2011 to:By post:Martin QuinnRegional PPI LeadPublic Health AgencyGransha Park House15 Gransha ParkLondonderryBT47 6FNBy email: siobhan.carlin@hscni.net By telephone: (028) 7186 0086A more detailed version of the consultation document is avalable by clicking here or contacting Siobhan Carlin, email: siobhan.carlin@hscni.net, Tel: (028) 7186 0086.If you require any of these documents in an alternative format such as Braille, larger print or in another language if you are not fluent in English, please do not hesitate to contact us.A report of feedback received as part of this consultation can be made available upon request.Please be aware that the PHA and HSCB are also currently consulting on the Community Development Strategy.You are invited to consider responding to this consultation as well if appropriate.

Providing meaningful care: using the experiences of young suicidal men to inform mental health care services

A short report using the experiences of young suicidal men to inform mental health care services.�

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.