About NHS Highland

INTRODUCTION

The area covered by NHS Highland comprises the largest and most sparsely populated part of the UK. The area covers 32,512 km2 (12,507 square miles) which represents approximately 41% of the land mass of Scotland. The Scottish Highlands are known world wide as containing some of the nation’s most outstanding landscapes and natural features. These wonderful geographical features also present a number of major challenges to the delivery of health services - a difficult terrain, rugged coastlines, populated islands, limited internal transport, and limited communications infrastructure. 

NHS Highland serves a population of over 310,000 residents. In addition, a proportion of our patients are from the many tourists who visit our area all year round, but particularly in the summer months when some local populations double or even triple.

The proportion of older people is slightly above the Scottish average, and the proportion of children under 15 years is lower than the Scottish average. Overall, the indicators of deprivation show that Highland residents fare better than the average Scot, although there is significant variation in the detail between Highland communities.

NHS Highland is a major employer in the area, second only to the Local Authorities, so our staff are hugely important members of local communities, and as an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy. 

NHS Highland has two principal roles - to improve the health and wellbeing of local people, and to provide healthcare services for people experiencing ill health.