Stroke care across the Highlands improved significantly during 2025, but more than four in ten patients still did not receive all the treatments included in Scotland’s national stroke care standard.

Public Health Scotland figures show 57.4 per cent of stroke patients in the NHS Highland area received the complete inpatient care bundle during 2025, an increase of 17.2 per cent compared with 2024.

There were 678 confirmed strokes across NHS Highland during the year, down from 754 in 2024, a reduction of 76 cases.

The improvement puts Highland slightly above the Scottish figure of 56.7 per cent, but remains well below the Scottish Government target of 80 per cent.

Nationally, 11,048 people suffered a stroke during 2025, with the 80 per cent target now having been missed for eight consecutive years.

The inpatient bundle covers four important elements of treatment during the critical period following a stroke, including aspirin, admission to a stroke unit, brain imaging and swallow screening.

Receiving that treatment quickly can give patients the best chance of survival and reduce the potentially devastating consequences of a stroke.

Stroke remains one of Scotland’s biggest causes of long term adult disability, meaning the quality of immediate hospital care can have consequences extending far beyond the initial emergency.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland has welcomed the substantial improvement recorded in Highland while warning that considerably more progress is still required.

Joanne Graham, Director of Service Delivery at CHSS, said:

“This week’s Public Health Scotland report shows welcome progress in Highland, but there is still a long way to go before everyone affected by stroke receives the treatment they deserve.

“The Scottish Government must build on this progress by investing in stroke services, rehabilitation and community support, which can improve quality of life, reduce disability and help people regain independence.

“Recovery can continue for months and years after someone leaves hospital.

“CHSS is already supporting stroke survivors across Highland through our community healthcare model and supported self-management programmes.

“We look forward to continuing our close local partnership with NHS Highland, alongside the Scottish Government, building on our shared work so more people can rebuild their lives after stroke, regardless of where they live or their circumstances.”

The Highland figures therefore present a mixed picture, with a substantial improvement in the proportion of patients receiving the complete care bundle and fewer confirmed strokes recorded during the year.

But at 57.4 per cent, Highland remains 22.6 percentage points below the national target.

After eight consecutive years in which Scotland as a whole has failed to reach that standard, the challenge is no longer simply setting the target, but ensuring considerably more stroke patients actually receive the care it promises.

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.

You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk