This World Stroke Day the Health Minister is reminding people
that ‘Every Minute Counts'.
World Stroke Day is held on 29th October each year, and is an
opportunity to raise awareness of strokes and their impact on
individuals and carers. It also gives the opportunity for
discussions around prevention, assessment, treatment and
long-term support.
The Health Minister said:
“This World Stroke Day, the theme is ‘Every Minute Counts', which
highlights the importance of recognising the signs of stroke and
acting fast.
“I would encourage everyone in Northern Ireland to be a ‘stroke
hero' and learn the signs of stroke to help prevent the
devastating impact they have. Every minute saved increases the
chances of a full recovery. If you spot a sign of stroke, call
999 immediately.”
The F.A.S.T approach is a tool to help check for any of these
signs of stroke:
- Face - Has it fallen on one side?
- Arms - Can they raise them?
- Speech - Is it slurred?
- Time - make the call immediately, dial 999
The Minister continued:
“There are approximately 3,000 strokes in Northern Ireland each
year, and up to 90% are preventable. You can significantly reduce
your risk of having a stroke through leading a healthy lifestyle;
eating healthy, taking regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake
and not smoking. This World Stroke Day, I hope that people learn
the signs of stroke, act fast and reflect on how they can take
steps to reduce their risk of stroke.”
Dr Ivan Wiggam, Interim Clinical Lead Northern Ireland Stroke
Network said:
“Across Northern Ireland we have seen a delay in people calling
999 when stroke symptoms present. This can impact patient
treatment options and their longer-term recovery.
“Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke and acting FAST can
improve the chances of a good outcome and reduce the level of
disability after stroke. Even if symptoms are mild, dial 999
immediately”.
Notes to editors:
- World Stroke Day is held on 29 October each year. The annual
event was started in 2006 by World Stroke Organisation (WSO)
which declared stroke a public health emergency in 2010. World
Stroke Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the serious
nature and high rates of stroke, talk about prevention and
treatment, and ensure better care and support for survivors. More
at www.world-stroke.org(external
link opens in a new window / tab)
- For further information: www.nidirect.gov.uk/stroke(external
link opens in a new window / tab) and www.pha.site/ActFAST
