14 Jun 2005

Implementing initiatives to help reduce inequalities in health across Ireland is a step closer.  22 health, community and local authority representatives have today completed a comprehensive HIA training course in Ireland.  Participants from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland completed the 3-day training programme which took place in Dundalk.  Health Impact Assessment or HIA is a process by which a policy, programme or project may be judged as to its potential effects on the health of an identified group of people.  The process is a mechanism to put health on the agenda and assist in reducing the inequalities gap that is prevalent across the whole of Ireland.

The training initiative is organised and delivered by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland.  Associate Director, Owen Metcalfe, commented that ‘previously professionals who wanted comprehensive HIA training had to go abroad.  HIA is gaining momentum and to further develop in this area of work the Institute has developed a practical training course.’  Respective North and South government departments responsible for health fully support the training programme and have provided resources to produce guidance manuals and dedicated personnel to support HIA development.

Participants embarked on the ‘learning by doing’ training programme in March 2005 and had a 3 month gap to work on HIA in their own field of work.  The final module, held today, reviewed progress to date and ensured that participants were supported to implement HIA within the workplace.  Carrying out HIA will contribute to improved health within identified communities and provide a useful toolkit for future projects, policies or programmes. 

Due to demand, dates have already been set for the second training course.  Interested organisations are encouraged to contact the Institute of Public Health at +44 (0)28 90648494 or check the dedicated HIA website for further information.

ENDS
For further information contact:
Arlene McKay 
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90 648494
Mob:  +44 (0) 7734 903944
Email: arlene.mckay@publichealth.ie

Notes to Editors
The Institute of Public Health has been set up to identify and develop practical advantages from building co-operation for public health between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We work in four areas: policy advice, information, research and capacity building and our objective is to tackle inequalities in health and improve the health of the public.

The Institute is one of 36 statutory, private and voluntary organisations who have joined forces to urge the public to protect the health of all workers and vote for a smokefree Northern Ireland