Assembly Members were practising what they have been preaching at the Northern Ireland Assembly with the help of Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke.

Nurses from the charity were on hand at Parliament Buildings to carry out Cardiac Risk Factor assessments for MLAs.

“We are delighted that MLAs have taken time out of their busy schedules to help stress the importance of health prevention and health promotion.” Said Fidelma Carter, the newly appointed Director of Public Health with NICHS.

“The event marks the fact that for 25 years Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke have had nurses out and about in the community assessing people’s health and offering advice.”

“Our team of nurses, and our work in schools and with homeless people, stresses the importance of involving the community in looking after their own health and promoting healthier lifestyles.”

“We see what we do as complimenting the significant reforms in health and social care that the Minister, Edwin Poots has planned under his ‘Transforming Your Care’ policy.”

Dozens of MLAs from all parties booked in for the 20 minute assessments at Parliament Buildings.

Health Minister Edwin Poots, took time out to be assessed and commented:

 “I am very supportive of the important work done by Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) through their health promotion and raising awareness of risk factors for cardiovascular and respiratory illness.

“The cardiac risk factor assessment offers individuals the opportunity to have cholesterol and blood pressure measured by the nurse team.  The assessment aims to increase awareness of, and identify, the risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke.  I am delighted to be taking part in this today and would encourage everyone to get assessed regularly.” 

Left to right in the photo:
Colette Johnston (Health Promotion nurse, NICHS); Andrew Dougal (Chief Executive, NICHS); Edwin Poots (Health Minister)