Research Papers 2011

Synopsis: Here you will find a list of Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety research papers published during 2011.

Influenza Vaccination

- Date: 21/12/2011 - Author: Dr Janice Thompson

This briefing paper provides an introduction to the subject of influenza vaccination. It gives an overview of the operation of the annual vaccination programme in Northern Ireland and then looks at selected issues related to influenza vaccination. These include influenza vaccination uptake in the UK, vaccination effectiveness and cost effectiveness of vaccination. The detailed science behind measuring influenza vaccination effectiveness is complex and is touched on in the briefing. The briefing acknowledges the work that is underway in improved influenza vaccine development for the future and highlights that in the interim support will remain for current influenza vaccines as a mainstay in the reduction of influenza morbidity.

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Health Targets in the Programme for Government, and Priorities for Action

- Date: 17/11/2011 - Author: Dr Lesley-Ann Black

This briefing paper provides an overview of the performance of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) in relation to a range of targets set out in the following two strategic plans: 1. The current Northern Ireland Executive Programme for Government - Building a Better Future (2008-2011) and; 2. The DHSSPS Priorities for Action 2010/2011

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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

- Date: 17/11/2011 - Author: Dr Lesley-Ann Black and Dr Janice Thompson

This briefing note seeks to ascertain the following in relation to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): • What are the symptoms of the condition? • Are there any statistics on survival rates? • How many people sufferer from DMD in NI, the UK and worldwide? • What are the current treatment options? • Is there any on-going research into the condition?

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Adoption

- Date: 17/11/2011 - Author: Dr Lesley-Ann Black

This research paper outlines the adoption process in Northern Ireland, the legislative framework and the profile of children mostly likely to be adopted today. Statistical information is presented regarding the number of adoptions and the average length of time the adoption process can take. In addition, adoption legislation from England and Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland is also considered.

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The Pharmaceutical List and the Northern Ireland Drug Tariff

- Date: 17/11/2011 - Author: Dr Lesley-Ann Black

This paper provides a brief overview of 1) the Pharmaceutical List, which enables pharmaceutical services to be provided across Northern Ireland, and 2) the Northern Ireland Drug Tariff, which relates to the fees paid to community pharmaceutical contractors for dispensing health service prescriptions.

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Emergency care trends in the Western HSC Trust

- Date: 11/11/2011 - Author: Dr Lesley-Ann Black

This briefing paper provides information on attendance rates at the three emergency care sites in the Western Trust area between 2008 to the first half of 2011.

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Incidence of Caesarean Sections

- Date: 10/11/2011 - Author: Dr. Lesley-Ann Black

This briefing note provides information in relation to the rate of Caesarean sections in Northern Ireland. A Caesarean Section, or a C-section, is the surgical method of childbirth and was introduced as a lifesaving procedure for mother and baby.

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Breastfeeding Rates

- Date: 10/11/2011 - Author: Dr. Lesley-Ann Black

Northern Ireland has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world. This paper has been compiled in response to a request from the HSSPS Committee regarding the recent publication of breastfeeding rates in the UK. Breastfeeding rates in Northern Ireland and wider afield are presented. In addition, policy guidelines and initiatives designed to increase and promote breastfeeding across our local landscape are also highlighted.

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Local Commissioning Groups: History, Establishment, Functions and Operation

- Date: 09/11/2011 - Author: Dr Janice Thompson

This briefing provides information on the history, establishment, functions and operation of the Local Commissioning Groups, from the first establishment of seven such bodies on a non-statutory basis in April 2007 under the Review of Public Administration to the subsequent establishment of the present five Local Commissioning Groups under Section 9 of the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009. This legislation 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.

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Mental Health Expenditure

- Date: 29/09/2011 - Author: Colin Pidgeon

The purpose of this short Briefing Note is to place historic Mental Health expenditure into context with historic expenditure on the other Programmes of Care (PoCs).

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