Who Cares Consultation Analysis Report (PDF 1.26MB)

Report analysing responses to the consultation on Who Cares? The Future of Adult Care and Support in NI

Guidance on Discharge from Hospital and the Continuing Care in the Community of People with a Mental Disorder who could Represent a Risk of Serious Physical Harm to Themselves or Others (PDF 985 KB)

Guidance on Discharge from Hospital and the Continuing Care in the Community of People with a Mental Disorder who could Represent a Risk of Serious Physical Harm to Themselves or Others

Survey Of Views And Perceptions Of Women Who Attended Symptomatic Breast Clinics

The Department of Health and Children, through the National Cancer Forum, requested the Women's Health Council to conduct research on the views and perceptions of women who attended symptomatic breast care clinics. The aim of this research was to identify how well the current service meets the needs of women, and whether it could be improved. Download the Report here

A Process Analysis of Males and Females who Attended a Community Based Addiction Treatment Service: Towards an Expanded Paradigm

A process analysis was conducted in a community - based treatment programme for alcohol abuse. The aims of the study were: to evaluate assessment instruments and measures; to measure change following treatment; to monitor gender differences; to assess the importance of early and current relationships; and to evaluate the effects of therapists. Subjects (n=145, males 83/females 62) completed a semi-structured interview schedule, Severity of Alcohol Dependency Questionnaire (SADQ), Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD); General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 12), and Alcohol Problems Questionnaire (APQ). A further three non-standardised self-rated measures were devised by the author. Included was the opportunity to obtain qualitative data. Follow up data was collected at 3, 9 and 15 months following first assessment. The SADD, APQ and consumption measures using detailed drink diaries proved the most relevant assessment measures. Following treatment, there was significant reduction in clients' dependency levels at 3 months, maintained through 9 and 15 months. Key client-rated changes were progress in reducing consumption and alcohol problems leading to a better quality of life and health. Qualitative data augmented these quantitative results. Psychological and acquired cognitive behavioural skills emerged as the main reasons for positive change and the treatment programme was found to have played a significant role in their acquisition. It appears that addressing marital problems can lead to a reduction in alcohol dependency levels. Gender analysis showed that males and females were similar in demographic characteristics, alcohol history details and dependence levels. It was concluded that the differences found did not necessitate different treatment programmes for women. Early family relationships were more problematic for females. Therapist performance varied and that variance was reflected in their clients' outcomes.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

WHO health topic: women's health.

Being a man or a woman has a significant impact on health, as a result of both biological and gender-related differences. The health of women and girls is of particular concern because, in many societies, they are disadvantaged by discrimination rooted in sociocultural factors. For example, women and girls face increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Some of the sociocultural factors that prevent women and girls to benefit from quality health services and attaining the best possible level of health include: * unequal power relationships between men and women; * social norms that decrease education and paid employment opportunities; * an exclusive focus on women’s reproductive roles; and * potential or actual experience of physical, sexual and emotional violence. While poverty is an important barrier to positive health outcomes for both men and women, poverty tends to yield a higher burden on women and girls’ health due to, for example, feeding practices (malnutrition) and use of unsafe cooking fuels (COPD).This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Bowel cancer screening: how to take your test (for people who are partially sighted)

This leaflet provides step-by-step instructions on using the Faecal Immunochemical�Test (FIT) for bowel cancer screening. This kit is slightly different to the one we usually use as part of Northern Ireland��'s bowel cancer screening programme. It is easier to complete for people who are partially sighted and is sent following discussion with the screening helpline team.

Caring for someone who has self-harmed or had suicidal thoughts

This guide provides important information on how to take care of yourself and your family member following a suicide attempt/suicidal thoughts or self-harm and highlights resources to help you move forward.The guide is divided into three parts:1. What happens during a visit to the Emergency Department (new name for A&E), GP or GP out-of-hours (OOH) department.2. What you need to know following your family member��'s discharge.3. Moving forward after your family member returns home.