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A blog from the Northern Ireland Assembly Research and Information Service

Janice.Thompson

A note with writing which reads 'Who cares about the carers?'

Supporting carers in Northern Ireland: Where are we with legislation and policy?

This article is a revised and updated version of a post originally published in June 2017.

This article outlines the contribution made by carers to supporting the formal care system and the issues they face in undertaking the caring role for family members and friends. Legislative developments across the UK are discussed as well as issues relevant to carers and how these are being addressed in Northern Ireland (NI) and beyond. A fuller briefing paper on these issues was published by RaISe in March 2016. In a related article, we examine some of the key statistics relating to the informal care sector in Northern Ireland.

A note with writing which reads 'Who cares about the carers?'

Read More »Supporting carers in Northern Ireland: Where are we with legislation and policy?

Two masks illustrating contrasting states of mind (image: Pixabay)

Mental health and illness in Northern Ireland (2): Service provision, care pathways, recovery focus

This is the second in a series of articles regarding mental health and illness in Northern Ireland. Recently, we provided an overview of mental health strategy in Northern Ireland; here, we focus on service delivery for adults, for children and adolescents, and the importance of the ‘recovery’ focus of the model of care. A more detailed RaISe briefing on many of the issues is available.

Two masks illustrating contrasting states of mind (image: Pixabay)

Read More »Mental health and illness in Northern Ireland (2): Service provision, care pathways, recovery focus

Art therapy (image Save the Children under Creative Commons)

Allied Health Professions in Northern Ireland: Their role in reform of primary and community care

This article looks at the issues faced by Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in Northern Ireland in supporting patients in primary and community care. It sets out the groups that make-up AHPs and examines how the role of AHPs could evolve in a changing healthcare landscape.

Art therapy (image Save the Children under Creative Commons)
Art therapy (Image: Save the Children, under Creative Commons)

Read More »Allied Health Professions in Northern Ireland: Their role in reform of primary and community care

Mental health and illness word cloud

Mental health and illness in Northern Ireland (1): Overview – related strategy and reports

This article is the first in a series looking at mental health and illness in Northern Ireland, covering relevant reviews, policies, reports, services, treatments and access to these services. This blog post sets the scene and highlights key policies, strategies and action plans to date. A more detailed RaISe briefing on many of the issues is available.

Mental health and illness word cloud

Read More »Mental health and illness in Northern Ireland (1): Overview – related strategy and reports

Blue and yellow pills: There may have to be a change to the marketing authorisation of medicinal products for human use once the UK leaves the EU

What are the potential implications of withdrawal from the EU for healthcare in Northern Ireland?

The Assembly Research and Information Service (RaISe) recently published a paper which provided an update on developments following the EU referendum on 23rd June. In this post, another in our series of articles examining some of the specific implications that a withdrawal from the EU may have for Northern Ireland, we examine what the implications might be for health and social care. This post follows a more detailed RaISe briefing paper on potential health and social care issues following Brexit.

Blue and yellow pills: There may have to be a change to the marketing authorisation of medicinal products for human use once the UK leaves the EU
Blue and yellow pills: There may have to be a change to the marketing authorisation of medicinal products for human use once the UK leaves the EU.

Read More »What are the potential implications of withdrawal from the EU for healthcare in Northern Ireland?