IPH response to DHSSPS obesity prevention framework consultation 'A Fitter Future for All'

Preventing obesity is a key priority for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) in Northern Ireland. In support of this, the DHSSPS has led the development of a cross-Departmental, crosssectoral Obesity Prevention Framework for Northern Ireland 2011-2021, entitled A Fitter Future For All, which seeks to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity throughout  Northern Ireland. The Framework focuses action on three main pillars: food & nutrition; physical activity; and data and research, and within the context of three life course stages: Early Years; Children and Young People; and Adults. This approach is consistent with the responses being undertaken by a number of countries, following the Foresight Report.

Experimental toxoplasmosis in Balb/c mice. Prevention of vertical disease transmission by treatment and reproductive failure in chronic infection

In a study of congenital transmission during acute infection of Toxoplasma gondii, 23 pregnant Balb/c mice were inoculated orally with two cysts each of the P strain. Eight mice were inoculated 6-11 days after becoming pregnant (Group 1). Eight mice inoculated on the 10th-15th day of pregnancy (Group 2) were treated with 100 mg/kg/day of minocycline 48 h after inoculation. Seven mice inoculated on the 10th-15th day of pregnancy were not treated and served as a control (Group 3). Congenital transmission was evaluated through direct examination of the brains of the pups or by bioassay and serologic tests. Congenital transmission was observed in 20 (60.6%) of the 33 pups of Group 1, in one (3.6%) of the 28 pups of Group 2, and in 13 (54.2%) of the 24 pups of Group 3. Forty-nine Balb/c mice were examined in the study of congenital transmission of T. gondii during chronic infection. The females showed reproductive problems during this phase of infection. It was observed accentuated hypertrophy of the endometrium and myometrium. Only two of the females gave birth. Our results demonstrate that Balb/c mice with acute toxoplasmosis can be used as a model for studies of congenital T. gondii infection. Our observations indicate the potential of this model for testing new chemotherapeutic agents against congenital toxoplasmosis.

Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy and Action Plan (PDF 455KB)

Northern Ireland may not enjoy the sunniest climate in the world, or even in the UK, however, in spite of this we have witnessed a significant rise in the incidence of melanoma skin cancer cases in recent years - from 80 cases in 1984 to 282 in 2009 (the latest year for which published figures are available). In relation to non-melanoma skin cancers, there are approximately 2,850 new cases here each year, making it the most common type of cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland. åÊ The rise in the number of skin cancer cases is alarming. We know that the increase in this particular type of cancer is global and not just confined to our part of the world. We also know there are many factors involved: the significant rise in people travelling on foreign sun holidays; more leisure time being spent out of doors; and damage caused to the ozone layer to name but a few. åÊ Substantial progress in the area of skin cancer awareness raising and prevention has been made through the previous “Melanoma Strategy” which was developed in 1997. However, the unfortunate reality is that we will continue to see rising rates of skin cancer for some time to come as a result of many years of overexposure to the sun before skin cancer prevention programmes were developed. Until we can reverse this trend through effective campaigning and awareness raising, early detection will be key to bringing down mortality rates. While the 1997 strategy was right for its time, there have been many developments since then, necessitating a new strategy to reflect today’s position. åÊ For example, recent studies about the importance of vitamin D have highlighted the need for balance in sun safety messages. This new strategy is not about stopping people from enjoying the sun and its many benefits. Rather, it is about encouraging people to take proportionate measures to prevent overexposure. åÊ åÊ

Final Report on the Review of the Home Accident Prevention Strategy Action Plan 2004-2009 (PDF 147KB)

Report on the Review of the Home Accident Prevention Strategy & Action Plan 2004-09

Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan 2006-2011 (PDF 162 KB)

NI Suicide Prevention Strategy & Action Plan 2006 - 2011

R&D cooperation between Spanish firms and scientific partners: what is the role of tertiary education?

This paper explores the factors that determine firm’s R&D cooperation with different partners, paying special attention on the role of tertiary education (degree and PhDs level) in facilitating the connection between the firms and the to scientific bodies (technology centres, public research centres and universities). Here, we attempt to answer two questions. First, are innovative firms that carry out internal and external R&D activities more likely to cooperate on R&D projects with other partners? Second, do Spanish innovative firms with a high participation of researchers with degrees or PhDs tend to cooperate more with scientific partners? To answer both questions we apply a three-dimensional approach on a firm level Panel Data with a sample of 4.998 manufacturing and services Spanish firms. First, we run a complementary test between external R&D acquisition and skilled research workers and find that firms which carry out external R&D activities obtain a greater return on R&D cooperation when they have skilled workers in R&D, especially in high-tech manufactures and KIS services. Second, we carry out a 2-step tobit model to estimate, in the first stage, the determinants that explain whether Spanish innovative firms cooperate or not; and in the second stage the factors that affect the choice of partners. And third, we apply an ordered probit model to test the marginal effects of explanatory variables on the different partners. Here we contrast some of the most interesting empirical hypotheses of previous studies, and which emphasize the role of employees with degrees and PhDs in facilitating cooperative R&D between firms and scientific partners. JEL classification: O31, O33, O38. Key words: Determinants R&D cooperation, industry-university flows, PhD research workers.

Home Accident Prevention Strategy

The overall aim of the strategy is “To reduce the number of accidental deaths and injuries in the home.” OBJECTIVES OF THE STRATEGY The key objectives are: • to reduce home accidents, particularly in those most at risk; • to raise awareness of the causes of home accidents and promote effective preventative measures to reduce such accidents; • to promote and facilitate effective training, skills and knowledge in home accident prevention across all relevant organisations, groups and individuals. These objectives will be met through integrated and effective approaches including: • education and information programmes to promote home safety, and promote a change in public behaviour towards home accident prevention; and • the use of evidence based practice, models of good practice, and by evaluating home accident prevention initiatives. OUTCOMES If successful, implementation of this strategy will lead to a reduction in the number of home accidents and contribute to the outcome “reduction in preventable deaths and diseases and improvement in wellbeing” set out in the Northern Ireland Priorities and Budget 2004-2006.

Le Groupe Prévention et Traitement des Plaies des Hospices-CHUV [The Hospices-CHUV's Wound Prevention and Treatment Group]

The treatment of wounds is a challenge that caregivers of all specialities encounter daily in the care of an ageing population and chronically ill patients. An interdisciplinary group has been created in recent years within the Hospices-CHUV to assist caregivers in their care of patients with wounds. This group has developed a variety of tools to assist decision-making and offers a range of continuing education for those employees involved in wound care. The authors describe the approach of the group and the documents produced during the first two years of experience.

Home Accident Prevention Strategy

A Healthier Future: A Twenty Year Vision for Health and Wellbeing in Northern Ireland 2005-2025

Strategic Framework and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C in NI (PDF 182 KB)

2004 - 2007

A Five Year Home Accident Prevention Strategy and Action Plan (PDF 124KB)

The Executive in its Programme for Government under the theme “Working for a Healthier People” gave a commitment to promoting public safety by reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by accidents at home, at work and on the road. An overarching strategy for children and young people is also being developed, which will set out the vision, values and underlying principles, including general safety, for all children and young people and the long-term goals to make that vision a reality. Consultation Document

A Five Year Home Accident Prevention Strategy and Action Plan (Word 34KB)

Questionnaire