Fuerteventura and Excellence in Stroke Care

Award for Stroke Care

The Neurology Department of the General Hospital of Fuerteventura has been honored with the Angels Gold award, presented by the European Stroke Organization for its performance during the last quarter of 2025, a period in which the team responded to 36 Stroke Code activations. This prestigious international accolade distinguishes hospitals that demonstrate sustained excellence in stroke care, evaluating criteria such as rapid response, correct application of reperfusion therapies, and systematic clinical data management.

Hospitals that receive the Angels Gold meet rigorous quality‑care standards and show a continuous commitment to improvement and coordinated treatment. The recognition highlights the General Hospital of Fuerteventura’s ability to deliver a swift and effective response to a time‑dependent condition that remains one of the leading causes of adult disability.

Patients Treated in 2025

• Over 200 stroke patients required hospital admission throughout 2025.
• Approximately 140 were admitted after a Stroke Code activation, a protocol that coordinates multiple specialties—both pre‑hospital and in‑hospital—to treat patients within 24 hours of symptom onset.
• ~80 % of cases were ischemic strokes, caused by a clot obstructing a cerebral artery and interrupting blood flow. Early arrival (within the first hours) allows patients to benefit from reperfusion therapies that restore cerebral circulation.
• ~20 % were hemorrhagic strokes, resulting from a ruptured brain vessel and intracranial bleeding. Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding and blood pressure, reversing anticoagulants when appropriate, and preventing complications from increased intracranial pressure.

In both stroke types, rapid activation of the Stroke Code and coordinated teamwork are decisive for improving prognosis, reducing mortality, and minimizing long‑term sequelae.

Stroke Code

The Stroke Code, fully implemented throughout the Canary Islands, is a procedure that enables an immediate response from the moment the emergency system is alerted. When a stroke is suspected, callers dial 112, triggering a protocol that guarantees transport to the most suitable center and immediate preparation of the emergency team and the dedicated stroke unit.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient receives instant specialized care from the Neurology Department, allowing swift decision‑making, optimized timing, and increased chances of recovery.

The Neurology Department of the General Hospital of Fuerteventura handles, on average, 30–40 Stroke Code activations each quarter.

Warning Signs of Stroke

A stroke should be suspected when any of the following appear suddenly:

• Loss of strength or sensation on one side of the body, especially the face and limbs.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding simple messages.
• Sudden visual problems, double vision, or loss of vision.
• Intense headache with no apparent cause, accompanied by vertigo, loss of balance, or coordination issues.