Aviva Directory » Local & Global » Europe » United Kingdom » Countries » Northern Ireland » Health & Public Safety

This section of our website offers online resources for health, wellness, medical, and public safety services, specifically those that cover all or a significant portion of Northern Ireland.

Local services can be found in the Cities & Towns category relating to its geographic location.

Health and public safety are woven into the fabric of life in Northern Ireland, with services ranging from hospitals and general practitioners (GPs) to the fire brigade and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Northern Ireland has its own publicly funded system known as Health and Social Care (HSCNI), which is akin to the National Health Service (NHS) but unique in that it integrates both health and social care under one umbrella. Established in 1948, it is overseen by the Department of Health and delivered through five regional trusts: Belfast, Northern, South Eastern, Southern, and Western.

From the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast to smaller community hospitals, care is free at the point of delivery. GP surgeries are the first port of call for most ailments.

Formed in 2009, the Public Health Agency (PHA) works on prevention, health improvement, and tackling inequalities.

Health, nutrition, and wellbeing campaigns often highlight healthy eating, smoking cessation, and exercise, with a strong emphasis on community outreach.

Medical care in Northern Ireland is provided by a wide range of medical professionals. These include doctors and nurses, the backbone of the HSCNI system, providing everything from emergency care to long-term support. Dental practices and eye care clinics are located throughout towns and villages, ensuring access to routine check-ups and specialist treatment. With rising awareness of mental health, counselling and psychiatric services are available through trusts, charities, and community groups. Alternative healthcare is available through complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, reflexology, and herbal remedies, which are popular in some communities and often used alongside traditional medicine. From farm animals to family pets, veterinarians play a vital role in rural and urban life, reflecting Northern Ireland's strong agricultural heritage.

Public safety is anchored by a few key organisations, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), responsible for law enforcement, crime prevention, and community policing; the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), covering everything from house fires to road traffic collisions; the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), providing emergency response and patient transport, often working closely with hospitals and GPs; and various community safety partnerships, such as local councils and voluntary groups.

In short, Northern Ireland's health and public safety services, from hospitals and GPs to the PSNI, NIFRS, and NIAS, form a comprehensive system that blends traditional medical care with alternative therapies.

 

 

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