02/05/2012
Further Reduction In Stroke Numbers Needed
Health Minister Edwin Poots has emphasised the importance of reducing the number of strokes which occur each year in Northern Ireland.
The Minister was speaking at the NIMAST and UK Stroke Forum Joint Conference which was held today in Lisburn.
The Minister said: "Stroke can have a major and often devastating effect on everyone it touches.
"There are significant benefits to be gained from reducing the number of strokes which occur; treating more effectively those who suffer a stroke; having better rehabilitation services and providing carers with access to a range of flexible and responsive support services in the community.
"Raising public awareness of the early signs and symptoms of stroke is enormously important. I hope that the F.A.S.T campaign which I launched last year will instill in people’s minds the importance of identifying these early and treating them as a medical emergency."
Stressing the importance of stroke prevention, Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride added: "Strokes are among the top six main causes of death in Northern Ireland.
"We must ensure that people are fully aware of the things which they can do themselves to help reduce the risk of stroke.
"Simple changes to a person's lifestyle such as stopping smoking, eating a healthier diet and taking a little exercise can make a significant contribution in reducing the possibility of taking a stroke."
(CD/GK)
The Minister was speaking at the NIMAST and UK Stroke Forum Joint Conference which was held today in Lisburn.
The Minister said: "Stroke can have a major and often devastating effect on everyone it touches.
"There are significant benefits to be gained from reducing the number of strokes which occur; treating more effectively those who suffer a stroke; having better rehabilitation services and providing carers with access to a range of flexible and responsive support services in the community.
"Raising public awareness of the early signs and symptoms of stroke is enormously important. I hope that the F.A.S.T campaign which I launched last year will instill in people’s minds the importance of identifying these early and treating them as a medical emergency."
Stressing the importance of stroke prevention, Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride added: "Strokes are among the top six main causes of death in Northern Ireland.
"We must ensure that people are fully aware of the things which they can do themselves to help reduce the risk of stroke.
"Simple changes to a person's lifestyle such as stopping smoking, eating a healthier diet and taking a little exercise can make a significant contribution in reducing the possibility of taking a stroke."
(CD/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2022
Alliance Calls For Implementation Of Stroke Action Plan
The Department of Health's stroke action plan must proceed quickly, and in an interconnected manner, if opportunities are not to be lost dramatically to improve health outcomes, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said.
Alliance Calls For Implementation Of Stroke Action Plan
The Department of Health's stroke action plan must proceed quickly, and in an interconnected manner, if opportunities are not to be lost dramatically to improve health outcomes, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said.
29 October 2025
PHA Urges Public To 'Think FAST' On World Stroke Day
Marking World Stroke Day (Wednesday, 29 October 2025) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is issuing an urgent reminder for the public to 'think FAST' if they suspect someone is having a stroke.
PHA Urges Public To 'Think FAST' On World Stroke Day
Marking World Stroke Day (Wednesday, 29 October 2025) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is issuing an urgent reminder for the public to 'think FAST' if they suspect someone is having a stroke.
26 March 2019
NI Stroke Services Face Potential Overhaul
The Department of Health has proposed plans to reshape Northern Ireland's stroke services and establish Hyperacute Stroke Units that offer round the clock access to diagnosis and treatment. Currently, services are spread across 11 hospital sites.
NI Stroke Services Face Potential Overhaul
The Department of Health has proposed plans to reshape Northern Ireland's stroke services and establish Hyperacute Stroke Units that offer round the clock access to diagnosis and treatment. Currently, services are spread across 11 hospital sites.
05 June 2009
Stroke Fundraisers Team Up With Bakery
One of NI's stroke charities knows which side 'its bread is buttered on'. The Stroke Association Northern Ireland has announced a new fundraising partnership with Irwin's Bakery, to support their 'Use Your Loaf' campaign.
Stroke Fundraisers Team Up With Bakery
One of NI's stroke charities knows which side 'its bread is buttered on'. The Stroke Association Northern Ireland has announced a new fundraising partnership with Irwin's Bakery, to support their 'Use Your Loaf' campaign.
28 March 2008
Secure Stroke Strategy Success Says NICHS
One of Northern Ireland's biggest causes of disability could be tackled better. A leading medical charity has given the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, a list of recommendations it believes is necessary if his proposed new strategy for dealing with strokes is to be a success.
Secure Stroke Strategy Success Says NICHS
One of Northern Ireland's biggest causes of disability could be tackled better. A leading medical charity has given the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, a list of recommendations it believes is necessary if his proposed new strategy for dealing with strokes is to be a success.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.