More people across the Highlands will soon be able to receive hospital-level care without ever leaving their homes.
A major expansion of Scotland’s successful Hospital at Home programme has been announced, with NHS boards set to benefit from a share of £85 million in new government funding.
By the end of 2026, the service is expected to provide up to 2,000 virtual hospital beds across the country.
This means patients will be able to recover in familiar surroundings, close to loved ones and without the disruption of a hospital stay.
It is a model that’s already transforming care for older and more vulnerable people.
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd welcomed the announcement and praised the programme’s impact in her constituency.
She called the investment “hugely welcome” and said it would offer real benefits for patients and their families in the north.
Hospital at Home allows clinicians to monitor and treat patients remotely, delivering care that’s equivalent to what they’d receive on a ward.
This includes administering medication, carrying out tests and managing conditions, all from the comfort and safety of home.
Todd said keeping people in their own communities makes a difference not just to patient wellbeing, but to the wider healthcare system.
It helps reduce the risk of infections, lowers stress levels, and supports a faster recovery.
At the same time, it frees up vital hospital space and eases pressure on overworked NHS staff.
“It’s an innovation Scotland should be proud of,” she said.
Todd also highlighted the dedication of local NHS staff, who continue to deliver care with compassion and commitment.
She believes programmes like this show what is possible when health services are supported to evolve in smart and person-centred ways.
The funding is part of a broader Scottish Government strategy to tackle delayed discharge and improve outcomes across frailty services.
It comes at a time when hospitals across Scotland are facing record demand.
For rural areas like the Highlands, where travel to hospital can be difficult, the ability to access care at home is especially valuable.
It keeps families together and gives patients a sense of dignity and control in difficult times.
The expansion of Hospital at Home is more than just a health policy.
It is a statement of intent, to treat people where they are, with care that feels personal and close to home.
