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13 Nov 2025
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13 Nov 2025
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Credit: Google Street View/Claire Sugden Facebook
A Derry MLA has issued a health update after sharing on social media that early medical tests showed she may have had a stroke.
Claire Sudgen, MLA for East Derry, posted on Facebook on Wednesday night to say that last week she became very unwell while at home and had to be admitted to Causeway Hospital in Derry.
"Early tests suggested I had taken a stroke and I was immediately taken under the care of the Stroke Team," she shared.
However, after multiple tests, including an MRI, it was determined not to be a stroke.
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It's still not known what exactly happened to Claire but tests are still being done to find out.
"It has been a difficult and frightening week, but I am so grateful for the care and reassurance from the wonderful staff in the Stroke Ward and across Causeway Hospital," she said.
Claire added that she will be taking things slow for a while as she is still not back to her normal self.
Her team will be looking after everything in her office so business should continue as usual.
"Please do keep getting in touch as normal," she said.
Hundreds of people have taken to the comment section to wish Claire well.
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"Much respect to you on your openness, honesty and integrity. I believe that revealing personal health battles is to be commended. It takes courage to strip yourself bare so publicly. But the rewards are huge. It raises awareness, and you may even prompt someone to go and get themselves checked out," one person commented.
"Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thinking of you and your family during what is a scary and I’m sure, an uncertain time," another added.
Claire has been in government since 2014 and is an Independent Unionist.
Earlier this year, she voted "aye" to a motion that suggested holding the 'Irish Government to Account on Legacy.'
The motion rejected "the notion of an amnesty for those responsible for wrongdoing during the Troubles."
Claire also voted "aye" to end the 'Forced Starvation in Gaza.'
A representative for Claire has said she is at home and recovering.
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