Health and Social Care Northern Ireland

We plan and oversee the delivery of health and social care services for the people of Northern Ireland. X is monitored 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

[Health and Social Care Northern Ireland @HSC_NI]

The Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme

💻To access the hub from 10AM, use the link: https://t.co/akwCY0g2N1

📲For support, phone [phone] (10am-4pm Mon-Fri)

[Health and Social Care Northern Ireland @HSC_NI]

Joan, a Service User, talks positively about the benefits of 5 Moments for Medication Safety and its importance for patients, families, and carers to use with the support from health professionals. #MedSafetyWeek
The ‘5 Moments for Medication Safety’ are the key moments where action by patients and their carers can greatly reduce the risk of avoidable medication related harm. Joan reminds us of the 5 Moments-Starting, Taking, Adding, Reviewing and Stopping.
Easily remembered by the acronym “STARS”

https://t.co/zeWZpMBjT1

[Department of Health @healthdpt]

This winter's flu vaccine remains our best protection against all strains of flu.

For all those eligible, please take up the offer of your vaccine when offered. Protect yourself and help us to help you.

🔗 https://t.co/W86P8j3hXw

[Department of Health @healthdpt]

💊 Addiction can affect anyone

⚠️ Warning signs of painkiller addiction: needing medicine for longer periods, higher doses, or feeling unwell when you stop taking them.

🗣️ Contact your community or practice pharmacist, or GP for support.

👉 More info: https://t.co/Hn0x4CU08z

[Health and Social Care Northern Ireland @HSC_NI]

Painkiller addiction can affect anyone.

Warning signs of painkiller addiction include: needing medicine for longer periods, in higher doses, or feeling unwell when you stop taking them.

If you're concerned about becoming dependent on combination painkillers, speak to your community or practice pharmacist, or GP for support.

Find out more at https://t.co/Lb5u6sPDPu
https://t.co/N0uazPNK5X

[Met Office - Northern Ireland @metofficeNI]

Yellow warning of rain affecting Northern Ireland https://t.co/NJmuR6jLP1

[Health and Social Care Northern Ireland @HSC_NI]

5 Moments for Medication Safety.
Moment 3- Adding a Medication, Service.
User Margaret talks about how the toolkit has helped her understand the implications of adding new medications.
It will also encourage her to consider other medication she may be taking, and what she they should do if she suspects an interaction. #medsafetyweek

[Public Health Agency @publichealthni]

Stay well this winter and help stop the spread😷🦠

📌Take common sense steps to reduce the spread of flu and other similar illnesses by exercising good respiratory and hand hygiene and staying away from others if you have symptoms.

#StayWell

[Health and Social Care Northern Ireland @HSC_NI]

5 Moments for Medication Safety - Moment 2.
Taking a Medication, Pharmacist Aine believes the toolkit encourages a patient to properly take their medication as prescribed. #medsafetyweek
It will encourage patients to review when they should take this medication and how much should they take each time and what to do if there any side effects.
Read more - https://t.co/zeWZpMBRIz

[Health and Social Care Northern Ireland @HSC_NI]

5 Moments for Medication Safety - Moment 1, Starting a Medication, Service User Niall explains how the toolkit has helped him to ask the right questions about his medication, including its purpose, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications. #MedSafetyWeek
Find more info https://t.co/zeWZpMBjT1

[nidirect @nidirect]

In the early stages, pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose.
Know the signs and symptoms to look out for: https://t.co/H52lDmrGIw
@publichealthni @healthdpt @HSC_NI
#PancreaticCancerAwarenessMonth

[Health and Social Care Northern Ireland @HSC_NI]

Andrew, a Community Pharmacist, highlights how the ‘5 moments for medication safety’ patient tool, with the easy to remember acronym “STARS” which stands for Starting, Taking, Adding, Reviewing or Stopping a medicine, can support you in staying on track with your treatment. #medsafetyweek
The five key moments are designed to prompt important conversations that improve your understanding and confidence. When patients are well-informed, they’re more likely to take their medicines correctly and consistently, which leads to better health outcomes.
https://t.co/zeWZpMBjT1
@compharmacyni @COPNI @nichildcom

[Department of Health @healthdpt]

💊 The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer has welcomed the launch of the "5 Moments for Medication Safety" toolkit

Professor @cathyharrison00 said "medication safety needs to be a priority for everyone".

🔗 https://t.co/Iy3k1mCGU7

[Health and Social Care Northern Ireland @HSC_NI]

Dr Joy Watson, @BelfastTrust, talks about the dangers of addiction to over the counter painkillers.

“The absolute tragedy is that people lose their lives, people end up in ICU.”

People from all walks of life can become addicted to combination painkillers.

Treatment is available - find out more at https://t.co/Lb5u6sP5ZW
https://t.co/N0uazPNcgp

[Health and Social Care Northern Ireland @HSC_NI]

In September 2020, the Department of Health launched the Transforming Medication Safety for NI strategy in response to the WHO’s 3rd Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm.
It was a bold call to action — to make medication safety a shared priority for everyone.
This month, with the help of patients, carers, staff, and partners across Northern Ireland we celebrate the launch of the 5 Moments for Medication Safety tool.
A tool that empowers everyone to pause and reflect at key moments: Starting, Taking, Adding, Reviewing, and Stopping — or simply, STARS
The ‘5 Moments for Medication Safety’ are the key moments where action by patients and their carers can greatly reduce the risk of avoidable medication related harm.

[Department of Health @healthdpt]

The Health Minister attended the Mesothelioma UK and Macmillan Cancer Support launch of the NI Regional Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Minister Nesbitt said it marked a "significant milestone" in efforts to "improve cancer care and support".

[Department of Health @healthdpt]

💊 The Health Minister has welcomed the launch of the "5 Moments for Medication Safety" toolkit

👉 It helps with:

✅ Starting a new medicine
✅ Taking a medication
✅ Adding in medication,
✅ Reviewing a long-term medication
✅ Stopping a medicine

🔗 https://t.co/Iy3k1mCGU7

[Department of Health @healthdpt]

The Health Minister has thanked occupational therapists on Occupational Therapy Week for their "incredible" work.

Minister Nesbitt said OTs helped patients live "life to the fullest" through their compassion and commitment.

[Public Health Agency @publichealthni]

Children in P1 to Year 12 will be offered the flu vaccine in school.

📌We are urging parents/guardians not to forget to sign and send back the consent form.

https://t.co/pOHxf3VQfi

#fluvaccine #WinterVaccines

[Department of Health @healthdpt]

The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer has thanked community pharmacy teams on Ask Your Pharmacist Week.

Professor Cathy Harrison highlighted the work these teams do to provide "safe and reliable" healthcare services.

[Public Health Agency @publichealthni]

Stay well this winter

Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from catching many viruses.

Find out more at https://t.co/wQ4NoQC5cg

#LivingWell #StayWell #WashYourHands