NHS Highland

Putting quality first to deliver better health, better care and better value - The Highland Quality Approach

The population of NHS Highland is 320,000 people and is spread over 32,500 square kilometres, making it one of the largest and most sparsely populated Health Boards in the UK.

NHS Highland is the biggest employer in the region so our staff are also important members of our communities. As an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy.

The Scottish Highlands are known world wide as containing some of the nation’s most outstanding natural environment. This also presents some challenges in delivering services. For instance a difficult terrain, rugged coastlines, many remote and rural area, inhabited islands, limited transport and communications infrastructure.

NHS Highland is managed by a Board of Executive and Non-Executive Directors and is accountable to the Scottish Government through the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing.

The Chair and each of the Non-Executive Directors are appointed by the Cabinet Secretary.

Executive Directors are the Chief Executive, Medical Director, Director of Public Health, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Human Resources, Director of Nursing and Director of Finance.

The Board governs our accountability and performance.

Corporate Services These are Highland-wide departments or functions and include Business Transformation; Clinical Governance and Risk Management; Dental Services; e-Health; Finance; Human Resources; Infections, Prevention and Control; Nursing and Midwifery; Pharmacy; Planning and Performance; Procurement; Public Health and Public Relations and Engagement.

Planning, co-ordinating and delivery of services The planning, co-ordination and delivery of services across NHS Highland is managed through Highland Health and Social Care Service and Argyll and Bute Community Health Partnership.