New figures from Public Health Scotland have revealed that NHS Highland continues to fall short on basic stroke care targets, prompting a renewed call from the Stroke Association for volunteers to support recovery efforts across the region.
In 2024, 746 people in NHS Highland suffered a stroke.
Yet only 40.5% of those admitted to hospital received the recommended stroke care bundle, a package of early interventions linked to better outcomes.
The national average across health boards was 52.9%, well below the Scottish Government’s target of 80%.
This marks a further decline from 2023, when 44.6% of patients in NHS Highland received the bundle.
The Stroke Association has described the ongoing shortfall as a symptom of wider hospital system failures.
“We work closely with stroke teams and recognise the tremendous efforts made by staff on the ground,” said John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland.
“But they can’t fix this on their own.
“It is political decisions, from the Scottish Government and health board leadership, that determine the resources, equipment and staff available to them.”
Psychological care remains a particular concern.
NHS Highland, along with NHS Ayrshire & Arran, NHS Borders and NHS Western Isles, has been marked red for psychological support in stroke care every year since the Scottish Stroke Improvement Programme (SSIP) began measuring it in 2023.
By contrast, NHS Highland continues to perform well in physical activity and fitness provision during stroke rehabilitation, rated green for the third consecutive year.
In response to the mixed performance, the Stroke Association is expanding its volunteer network across the Highlands, supported by recent funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Volunteers could support stroke survivors face-to-face, potentially in hospitals or community spaces offering emotional encouragement and a listening ear during the long journey of recovery.
“Psychological and emotional support is a long way from where it needs to be,” added Watson.
“We’re calling on people across the Highlands to get involved.
“With the right training and support, volunteers can make an enormous difference.”
To find out more or volunteer, visit www.stroke.org.uk/scotland or email engagementteamscotland@stroke.org.uk.
The Stroke Association also runs a free Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100.
