organisations

• WHO

  An international organisation, connected to the United Nations. They monitor and promote health on a global scale. They provide guidance advice and support on health issues.
• How WHO does this


  1. Combat disease around the world. Trailing new vaccines, screening programmes

  2. Provide advice for travellers on what vaccinations are required for different countries

  3. Co-ordinate emergency response to disasters or outbreaks of disease i.e. Ebola

  4. Conducts or funds research to share with governments across the world e.g. breastfeeding, leading cause of death, cancer prevention

  5. Co-ordinates health promotion globally i.e. fighting obesity, decreasing smoking, increasing vegetable consumption

  6. Provides information on global health risks

  7. Provides statistics on the spread of diseases i.e. HIV

  8. Make recommendations about health behaviour i.e. sugar consumption
• Statutory organisations in Northern Ireland
• Department of Health (DOH)


  A government department in the Stormont assembly with responsibility for HSC services. They produce policy relevant to health and well-being, strategy documents for the delivery of services in more specific areas of care, organise research into health and behaviour, ensure provision of services meet the needs of the population, set standards and targets for the delivery of services, provide information and advice for professionals on good practice.
• Public Health Agency (PHA)

  Aims to improve the health and well-being of the whole population rather than individuals. They are responsible for public health and run a range of health promotion campaigns. They also contribute by publishing books that give health advice, producing leaflets relevant to the HSC workforce, conducting research about health in NI, providing information through news bulletins on up-to-date issues relevant to the people of NI, informing the public about health and care services in NI.
• Health and Social Care Trusts

  There are 5 HSC trusts in NI responsible for delivering HSC services in their areas (ambulance services under a separate trust). The services they provide include hospital services, primary health care services, day care services, residential services, home care and support, social services for vulnerable people, and provide advice, guidance and support on healthy living.
• Voluntary organisations


  Not-for-profit organisations (charity, rely on donations) that provide a range of services - often free of charge. They can offer time and support that is sometimes not available from statutory organisations due to budget, time and resource restrictions.
• Private organisations


  Businesses that aim to make a profit, including pharmacies, drug companies, private nursing homes, holistic therapists, and private practitioners.
• Pharmacies


  Retail businesses that contribute to health and well-being by providing treatments, selling products related to health and well-being, advising people on health issues, measuring health indicators, testing for infections, and running health promotion campaigns.
• Drug companies


  Companies who develop and sell drugs for profit. They conduct research on health issues and develop drug treatments, carry out extensive testing of drugs to ensure safety, distribute (sell) products to pharmacies and hospitals, and advise professionals on safe dosage and potential side effects and contraindications.
• Holistic therapists


  Practitioners who offer alternative therapies, operating as private companies/businesses for profit. They provide treatment for people suffering with long-term/chronic conditions, and can complement medical therapies/treatment by advising individuals how to manage their condition through lifestyle changes.
• Private practitioners


  Practitioners who have private practices, either working there full-time or part-time while also working for the local trust. Examples include doctors, allied health professionals, counsellors and psychologists.
• Private nursing homes


  Can be small family-run businesses or big corporations with many facilities. They contribute to health and well-being by providing full-time, permanent residential care where individuals can get help with their daily living, as well as nursing care. They can also provide short-term care for people transitioning from hospital and respite care.
• Home care providers


  Businesses that employ and provide carers to do home visits to help with personal care and the activities of daily living. They may also provide respite for carers to allow them time 'off' or to go on holiday.