The government says Chief Minister Howard Quayle is ’recovering well’ following a stroke.

Mr Quayle was admitted to Noble’s Hospital on Friday.

He is still in hospital for observation and is receiving post-stroke care.

A government spokesman told the Examiner that he is making good progress and recovering well, is remaining in contact with ministers and senior officials and the business of government is continuing as normal.

In a statement released on Saturday the Chief Minister said he was grateful for the excellent care he has received from all at the hospital.

Mr Quayle said: ’I am grateful to those colleagues who spotted the early signs of a stroke and urged me to seek medical attention.

’The care I received and continue to receive from the Manx Care team has been amazing.

’I can’t thank them enough.’

SIGNS

Around 1.9 million nerve cells in the brain are lost every minute that a stroke is left untreated, which can result in slurred speech and paralysis.

If left untreated, a stroke can result in permanent disability or death. There are around 100,000 strokes a year in the UK. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK and the single largest cause of complex disability. The main stroke symptoms can be remembered with the word FAST:

Face - the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.

Arms - the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.

Speech - their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.

Time - it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.

The NHS Act FAST campaign urges everyone to take immediate action on seeing any stroke symptoms to save lives.