Highland

NHS Highland's catchment area comprises the largest and most sparsely populated part of the UK. It has all the attendant issues of a difficult terrain, rugged coastline, populated islands and a limited internal transport and communications infrastructure.

The area covers 32,518 km² (12,507 square miles), which represents approximately 41% of the Scottish land surface. The geographical nature of the region presents particular challenges for the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare services. For more information visit the NHS Highland website.

NHS Highland serves a population of some 299,000 residents (within the Highland and Argyll & Bute Council boundaries) and sees a proportion of its patients from the influx of tourists to the Highlands, which at certain times of the year can double or even triple the local population.

The proportion of older people is above the Scottish average. However, levels of morbidity and deprivation are well below the Scottish average.

The Health Service in the Highland area is also a major employer, second only to the local authority in the number of people employed. Again, in business terms, this is of major significance to the Highland economy.

For information on making a complaint please visit its Complaints section.