Evidence-informed policy and practice

IPH report highlights significant health impacts of loneliness in later life

Loneliness can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of older people and is of increasing concern for public health says a new report from the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).  The research suggests that approximately 10% of older people are affected by chronic or persistent loneliness. It also finds that loneliness amongst older people may be linked to depression, increased nursing home admission, decreased quality of life and cognitive decline.

Consultation on the development of a National Maternity Strategy

On 27 January 2016 ROI Minister for Health Leo Varadkar launched Ireland’s first National Maternity Strategy – Creating a Better Future Together – which is a roadmap for the improvement of services over the next ten years.
  • Strategy aims to improve safety & quality in general and standardise care across all units
  • Recommends a Health & Wellbeing approach to give babies the best start and improve women’s health
  • Ensure that a woman’s choice is facilitated to the greatest extent possible

NI Assembly moves to ban smoking in cars carrying children

In February 2016, the Northern Ireland Assembly voted in favour of an amendment contained within the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (2015) to ban anyone from smoking in private vehicles (such as cars) carrying children.

The Northern Ireland Assembly Research and Information Service published a paper relating to this amendment (23 February 2016). The paper explores

Public Health Annual Research and Practice Conference - Call for Abstracts

The Public Health Agency and Partners (including IPH) will be hosting the fifth Public Health Annual Scientific Conference in June. The theme of the Conference will be “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  It will focus on the economic case for prevention and the health benefits of public health interventions for our population.

IPH provide evidence to NI Assembly Communities Committee - Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment Bill)

Dr Helen McAvoy, IPH Director of Policy and Dr Joanna Purdy, Public Health Development Officer presented evidence to the NI Assembly Communities Committee on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill on 27 October.

Watch the evidence session here

IPH evidence highlighted the following:

IPH response to HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs Soft Drinks Industry Levy Consultation

In March 2016 the UK government announced its intent to introduce an industry levy on sugar sweetened drinks from April 2018. This levy is an important component of the UK’s childhood obesity strategy. To account for varying levels of sugar in these drinks, the levy will have two tiers (5grams/100ml and 8grams/100ml). A consultation has been established to set out proposals for the design and implementation of this levy; and the IPH welcomes the opportunity to respond, particularly given the announcement of a similar levy in the Republic of Ireland.

IPH response to BAI draft General Commercial Communications Code

IPH welcomes the opportunity to respond to this Draft General Commercial Communications Code from the perspective of regulating the marketing, through Irish television and radio, products and services that have the potential to impact on public health. It is well recognised that while a suite of measures is required to tackle these issues, addressing advertising and promotion is one useful element of a necessary regulatory mix. IPH has an extensive portfolio of work across a range of areas in which particular rules apply including: alcohol; food, nutrition and health; smoking cessation aids and; gambling. We have previously submitted responses to BAI consultations on the Children’s Commercial Communications Code.

IPH response to the Draft Programme for Government 2016-2021

This Programme for Government Framework is a new approach which focuses on the major societal outcomes that the Executive wants to achieve and provides a basis for all sectors to contribute to the development of plans and actions. It is an approach which reflects international advice and well established practice. This Framework has adopted an outcomes based approach supported by indicators and measures to monitor progress.

Improving Health within Criminal Justice - IPH response

IPH welcomed the draft strategy and action plan from DHSSPS and the Department of Justice Improving Health within Criminal Justice. The criminal justice system is an ideal setting for addressing health inequalities through health promotion and prevention activities and it is an opportunity to provide access to health and social services to people who may otherwise have infrequent or no contact with services. It is hoped that by improving health within the criminal justice system that reoffending could be reduced through addressing the root causes of problems that have the potential to lead to criminality. 

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