Fuerteventura General Hospital's Neurology Service wins Angels Gold Award for stroke care
The Neurology Service of the General Hospital of Fuerteventura has been distinguished with the Angels Gold award, a recognition granted by the European Stroke Organization that certifies excellence in the care of stroke patients.
The prize reflects the team’s performance during the last quarter of 2025, a period in which 36 Stroke Code activations were handled. This international award distinguishes centers that meet demanding criteria for care quality, rapid response, correct application of reperfusion therapies, and systematic clinical data recording.
More than 200 patients treated in 2025
Throughout 2025, the island’s hospital cared for over 200 stroke patients requiring hospital admission. About 140 of them were treated after a Stroke Code activation—a coordination protocol between pre‑hospital and in‑hospital teams that allows intervention when less than 24 hours have passed since symptom onset.
Regarding stroke types:
- 80 % were ischemic strokes, caused by a clot blocking a cerebral artery. When patients arrive within the first hours, they can benefit from therapies aimed at restoring blood flow.
- 20 % were hemorrhagic strokes, resulting from the rupture of a brain blood vessel. Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding, blood pressure, and preventing complications from increased intracranial pressure.
The hospital emphasizes that speed in protocol activation and team coordination are decisive factors for reducing mortality and minimizing long‑term deficits.
A key protocol: the Stroke Code
The Stroke Code is fully implemented across the Canary Islands and is activated by calling 112 when symptoms compatible with a stroke are suspected. The procedure ensures rapid transport to the most appropriate center and immediate preparation of the specialized team.
Once at the hospital, the patient receives urgent care from the Neurology Service, optimizing therapeutic decision times. The General Hospital of Fuerteventura records an average of 30 to 40 activations per quarter.
Warning signs
Specialists remind the public to suspect a stroke 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.
- Severe headache with no apparent cause, dizziness, or loss of balance.
When any of these symptoms occur, every minute counts. An immediate call to 112 can make the difference in a patient’s recovery.
With this Angels Gold recognition, the General Hospital of Fuerteventura reinforces its commitment to continuous improvement and high‑quality care for one of the most time‑critical medical conditions, strengthening the island’s health capacity against a leading cause of adult disability.