Application by Waterford Institute of Technology for Designation as a University (Port Report)

This report provides our advice to the Minister for Education and Science on the application for designation as a university made by Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). WIT submitted an application for designation in February 2006. There is a statutory procedure for the creation of a new university under Section 9 of the Universities Act 1997. We were asked to advise the Minister on the merits of the submission in order for her to provide guidance to Government on whether such a formal statutory review should be initiated. It is not a straightforward task to advise on this case for several reasons. These include the facts that: the regulatory environment for Institutes of Technology has changed significantly since WIT made their application; and the designation of any IoT would potentially challenge the government’s current higher education policy. So our report has to range more widely than the merits of the WIT application, taken at face value.

Regional guidelines for nurses when sharing information with NIGALA

Effective safeguarding children practice depends upon information sharing, collaboration and understanding between families, agencies and professionals. Nurses are required to work in partnership with other disciplines and agencies to safeguard and promote the health and wellbeing of children and young people. This includes working in partnership with the guardian ad litem (guardian) appointed by the court when making decisions regarding the best interests of a child or young person.This guidance replaces previous regional guidance. Regional implementation will ensure that information held by nurses is shared with the guardian in a consistent, timely and appropriate manner, so that informed decisions can be made in the best interests of children and young people.

Infection prevention and control. Best practice advice for nurseries and childcare settings

This booklet provides nurseries and childcare settings with comprehensive infection prevention and control advice.It includes simple, practical and easily understood guidance on the day-to-day implementation of good infection prevention and control practices, as well as specific actions to take in the event of outbreaks of infection.Areas covered include suitable childcare premises, hand hygiene, immunisation, decontamination, toys, personal items, toilets, nappy changing, laundry, food hygiene and pets.The booklet includes illustrations, diagrams, a glossary and key points to remember in each section to ensure the advice is easy for all staff to understand and pass on to others.It also provides contact details for each of the Health and Social Care early years teams in Northern Ireland.

Maternal and Pre School Child Nutrition Guidelines

This guidance provides information for professionals on Maternal and Pre-school Nutrition for infants and children.

Perinatal Mental Health Care Pathway

�This regional care pathway provides�guidance for all Health and Social Care (HSC) professionals who come into contact with pregnant women. In addition, each Trust has developed a local adaptation of this pathway for their population.�

HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2012

This report aims to provide an overview of HIV epidemiology in Northern Ireland by collating and analysing information from a number of sources. Although it reflects epidemiological trends over time, its main focus will be on data collected in 2011.Following recent ONS guidance on data disclosure, where the number of any category of episodes in any one year is between one and four, this is reported either within a cumulative figure, or as an asterix. In addition, where the anonymised figure can be deduced from the totals, the next smallest figure will also be anonymised.

Guidelines for the Management of HIV Positive Pregnant Women in Northern Ireland

This guidance aims to support health care staff to provide the optimum care for HIV positive women during pregnancy and delivery within Northern Ireland.

Reducing the risk of human infection from pet rodents

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued new guidance for owners of pet rodents following two recent UK cases of hantavirus which are described in a paper published in this week's Eurosurveillance.

Midwives and medicines

This leaflet was developed for midwives and describes midwives' role in administering and supplying medicines. It should be read in conjunction with the Nursing and Midwifery Council rules, standards and guidance. It is only available from the Local Supervising Authority Midwifery Officer at the PHA.

Northern Ireland Infectious Disease Incident / Outbreak Plan 2013

The new Northern Ireland Infectious Disease Outbreak Plan 2013 developed by the Public Health Agency in liaison with Trust and DHSSPS colleagues. The Plan is based on the most up-to-date guidance available on leading and managing an incident or outbreak, and was developed as part of the implementation of the RQIA Review of Outbreaks of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Neonatal Units in Northern Ireland, 2012.

Nutritional guidelines and menu checklist for residential and nursing homes

Care home residents should receive a varied diet that meets their nutritional needs in appropriate surroundings.This booklet ensures residential and nursing home managers and care providers have access to guidelines that help them achieve the aims set out by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), ie.�empowerment of, and positive engagement with, residents in all aspects of their care, including nutrition.It also provides practical nutrition advice and menu guidance.

Diagnosing poisoning: Carbon monoxide (CO)

Guidance for primary�care�on how to deal with�patients presenting with possible symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Produced by the Health Protection Agency and adapted by the Public Health Agency.

Joint Commissioning Plan of the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency: 2010-2011

Legislation enacted on 1 April 2009 created a new Commissioning system with the establishment of a region-wide Health and Social Care Board, including 5 Local Commissioning Groups (LCGs), and a Public Health Agency. In line with Departmental direction and guidance the objectives of the new commissioning arrangementswere to:- Approach the future delivery of Health and Social Care from a region-wide perspective focused on outcomes.- Ensure local sensitivity through the creation of five Local Commissioning Groups reflective of their areas.

School food: the essential guide (and Irish translation)

School food: the essential guide contains a series of eight practical guidance booklets designed to help schools improve pupils' nutrition and implement healthier eating and drinking practices. The booklets provide advice and support for the key areas in which food, drinks and nutrition issues affects schools. Mini case studies support the advice given and, where appropriate, the booklets provide details of recommended further resources.Individual booklets in the series are available as PDF files below: