NI Draft Priorities and Budget Consultation 2006-2008 - Institute response

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland works to combat health inequalities and influence public policies in favour of health in Ireland, North and South. The Institute applies a holistic model of health which emphasises a wide range of determinants, including economic, educational, environmental, social and biological factors, as well as public services. The Institute’s work is based on the premise that improving health and reducing health inequalities in a sustainable way can only be achieved through addressing these broader determinants of health. We believe that the strategic direction of public spending in Northern Ireland has enormous potential to impact on people’s health, well being and prosperity.  We welcome the opportunity to comment on the draft priorities and the associated budget for 2006-2008 as set out in the consultation document.

National men’s health policy consultation response

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland aims to improve health in Ireland, North and South, by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policies in favour of health. The Institute’s work is based on the premise that improving health and reducing health inequalities will be best achieved through taking a broad determinants of health perspective. It applies a holistic model of health which emphasises a wide range of determinants on health including social, economic, environmental and biological factors. The Institute also recognises the importance of accessible, effective and efficient health and social services in determining health and the quality of life experienced by people. The Institute of Public Health welcomes the consultation process undertaken by the Department of Health and Children on a National Men’s Health Policy. In our response we focus on how inequality impacts on Irish men’s lives and how, as a consequence, ways to combat inequalities need to be at the heart of a health strategy for men

Institute Responds to DSD Consultation on Cathedral Quarter Masterplans

The Institute of Public Health welcomes the opportunity to respond to the following consultations on the regeneration of Belfast City Centre; A. Draft North East Quarter Masterplan Key Regeneration Principles and Concept Plan – February 2005B. Draft North West Quarter Masterplan Key Regeneration Principles and Concept Plan – February 2005 The Institute of Public Health is a cross border organisation funded by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland and the Department of Health and Children in the Republic of Ireland (www.publichealth.ie). It aims to improve health and tackle inequalities in health across the island of Ireland. The Institute believes that one of the most effective ways of addressing inequalities in health across the island is to ensure that all Government Departments recognise the wider determinants which influence health and maximise opportunities within their policies to improve the health of the population.

DHSSPS Consultation on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces

The Institute of Public Health welcomes the current consultation on smoking in enclosed workplaces and public places. Having considered the three options given the Institute strongly supports option 5c – “a total ban on smoking in all enclosed workplaces and public places”. This clearly outlines that a total ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces is the only option which will adequately protect the health of all workers and contribute to reducing the prevalence of smoking in the population of Northern Ireland.As an organisation set up to promote North South co-operation we believe that a similar approach to smoking in public places and workplaces should be taken to that in the Republic of Ireland where there is clear evidence that such policies are practical, well supported and effective.

IPH Response to Consultation on a Draft Dtrategy for Children

The Institute of Public Health welcomes the Consultation on a Draft Strategy for Children and Yung People in Northern Ireland. We believe that in addition to the human rights to which we are all entitled, children and young people constitute, in many instances, a vulnerable group within society and therefore special effort is needed to ensure that they are able to maximise their potential and live healthy, fulfilling lives.  In our response to the Consultation Document we will focus on how inequality impacts on children’s lives and how, as a consequence ways in which to combat inequalities need to be at the heart of a strategy for children. We will also highlight the potential for strengthening the strategy by increased cooperation with similar initiatives in the Republic of Ireland.

IPH response to the HIQA consultation on the National Demographic Dataset and Guidance for use in health and social care settings in Ireland

The remit of the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) is to promote cooperation for public health between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the areas of research and information, capacity building and policy advice. Our approach is to support Departments of Health and their agencies in both jurisdictions, and maximise the benefits of all-island cooperation to achieve practical benefits for people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. IPH have previously responded to consultations to the Department of Health’s Discussion Paper on the Proposed Health Information Bill (June 2008), the Health Information and Quality Authority on their Corporate Plan (Oct 2007), and the Road Safety Authority of Ireland Road Safety Strategy (Jul 2012). IPH supports the development of a national standard demographic dataset for use within the health and social care services. Provided necessary safeguards are put in place (such as ethics and data protection) and the purpose of collecting the information is fully explained to subjects, mandatory provision of a minimum demographic dataset is usually the best way to achieve the necessary coverage and data quality. Demographic information is needed in several forms to support the public health function: Detailed aggregated information for comparison to population counts in order to assess equity of access to healthcare as well as examining population patterns and trends in morbidity and mortality Accurate demographic information for the surveillance of infectious disease outbreaks, monitoring vaccination programmes, setting priorities for public health interventions Linked to other data outside of health and social care such as population data, survey data, and longitudinal studies for research and analysis purposes.   Identify and address public health issues to tackle health inequalities, and to monitor the success of such efforts to tackle them.

A Fitter Future for All: Consultation Document

The prevalence of people who are overweight and obese has been steadily rising in Northern Ireland, and in the western world, over the last few decades. It has been described as an “obesity time-bomb”, given the impact that obesity can have on physical and mental health and wellbeing.Evidence has shown that, while weight gain is the result of a relatively simple energy imbalance, the causes that underpin changes to energy intake and expenditure are very complex and cover issues such as social and individual psychology, physiology, food production and consumption, individual activity, and the built environment.This Framework aims to “empower the population of Northern Ireland to make healthy choices, and reduce the level of harm related to overweight and obesity, by creating an environment that supports and promotes a physically active lifestyle and a healthy diet”.In addition, the following overarching target has been set: to reduce the level of obesity in Northern Ireland to the 2005-06 level by 2021.

Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health and Wellbeing (2014)

Welcome to the easy access version of the Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health and Wellbeing. åÊ It sets out what you can expect from the Health and Social Care (HSC) services in Northern Ireland if you have a cardiovascular illness or you care for someone who does.

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

A Strategy for Maternity Care in Northern Ireland 2012-2012 (PDF 634KB)

DHSSPS has carried out a review of policy on maternity service provision in Northern Ireland. The review focused on the best available evidence for the care and treatment of mothers-to-be; quality, safety and service sustainability; wider workforce issues; and professional roles and responsibilities. As a result, a draft strategy was developed, which was the subject of a public consultation from 28 September 2011 to 23 January 2012. Following an analysis of the responses to the consultation, the final strategy, A Strategy for Maternity Care in Northern Ireland 2012-2018, was published on 2 July 2012.

Consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products April 2012 (PDF 1.6MB)

Consultation on standardised packaging of tobacco products April 2012