Other News In Brief

Minister Highlights Sport on World Stroke Day

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted sport as an important risk reduction on World Stroke Day.

Held on October 29 annually, World Stroke Day serves to raise awareness of stroke as well as discussing topics for improving the outcomes for stroke survivors and carers through prevention, assessment, treatment and long-term support.

"The theme for World Stroke Day 2024 is channelling the emotional power of sport to drive stroke awareness and to motivate us all to take action every day to reduce our stroke risk," said the Minister.

"With busy lives, it's often hard to find time to look after your health and wellbeing. But just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25%. Exercise plays an important role in reducing several stroke risk factors. By taking action as a community we can be #GreaterThan stroke."

There are over 12 million strokes world-wide and approximately 3,000 strokes in Northern Ireland annually. Up to 90% of strokes are preventable.

Dr Ivan Wiggam, Interim Clinical Lead, Northern Ireland Stroke Network, said: "World Stroke Day is focusing on sport to drive stroke awareness and to motivate us to adopt healthy lifestyles and manage risk factors for stroke. It is important that we increase awareness of how individuals can reduce their risk of stroke by:

• knowing and managing risk factors for stroke such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat (i.e. atrial fibrillation), diabetes and high blood cholesterol

• stopping smoking

• taking regular exercise

• maintaining a healthy weight

• reducing alcohol consumption

"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."

The Stroke Action Plan identifies six priorities to improve stroke services and achieve better outcomes. The implementation of the Action Plan is being taken forward by the Department of Health and the Northern Ireland Stroke Network. Minister Nesbitt added: "I have been clear that I want to see a future in which people are supported with the right information and help to stay well, with a greater emphasis on preventing illness. On World Stroke Day, I hope that people will reflect on how sport can provide us with the opportunity to reduce the risk factors associated with stroke, helping us to live longer, more active and healthier lives."

Statutory Sick Pay DWP Consultation

The Department for Communities has added the Department for Work and Pensions consultation based on strengthening Statutory Sick Pay to its website until December 4.

The 'Making Work Pay: Strengthening Statutory Sick Pay' consultation looks at the percentage replacement rate for those earning below the current rate of Statutory Sick Pay.

The consultation forms part of the UK Government's 'Make Work Pay' plan.

Those interested in contributing to the DWP consultation can access the link on the here.

Foyle Street To Temporarily Reopen Over Festive Period

NI Water has announced the reopening of Foyle Street in L'Derry for a four-week period to facilitate the busy Christmas and New Year period.

Infrastructure improvements to the street, being carried out by contractor BSG, are progressing steadily, therefore, the overall work programme will be unaffected to accommodate the temporary opening.

Dismantling of the hoarding will commence on Monday, December 2 with Foyle Street due to be fully reopened to motorists as well as pedestrians by Monday, December 9.

Foyle Street will remain open until Monday, January 6 when BSG return to the site to commence Phase 3 of the project.

Kieran Grant, NI Water project manager, said: "NI Water and our project team from BSG and Arup greatly appreciate the patience and cooperation from businesses in the area to date and are pleased to be able to offer this short break in construction activity ahead of and during the Christmas/New Year period.

"We would take this opportunity to advise the public that there will be no change to the current bus arrangements while the road is temporarily reopened. Metro bus services will continue to operate from Foyle Street Bus Station and Goldliner and Ulsterbus services from Foyle Street carpark."