Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has been awarded £2 million to recognise its success in reducing waiting times for elective care and treatment.
HDFT is one of eight trusts to receive funding through the first round of NHS England’s new Elective Capital Incentive Scheme.
Launched this year, the scheme rewards providers that have delivered the largest improvements in referral‑to‑treatment (RTT) performance over a sustained period, including reducing the size of their overall waiting list.
It supports the national ambition to return to the RTT Constitutional Standard, which requires 92% of patients to begin treatment within 18 weeks of referral.
To qualify for the funding, HDFT had to meet scheme targets between April and September 2025, including improvements in 18-week RTT performance, reductions in overall waiting lists, and fewer patients waiting more than 52 weeks.
Over this period HDFT achieved a 5.47% improvement in 18-week RTT performance and reduced its overall waiting list by over 1,000 patients (4.7%). No patients were waiting over 52 weeks for treatment.
HDFT made the improvements through a targeted programme to increase capacity, streamline pathways and improve patient flow across elective services.
Key actions included in-depth service reviews using data-driven evidence to support change.
Jonathan Coulter, Chief Executive at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We are delighted to receive this recognition from NHS England. This funding is a testament to the efforts of our staff to deliver timely, high quality care.
“Since September, our waiting list has reduced by another 900 patients, showing sustained improvement. Several specialties who have achieved the 92% RTT performance target, meaning patients are receiving treatment more quickly from the point of referral.
“This funding will enable us to build on our great progress and continue to transform elective services for our communities.”
The £2 million capital investment will support elective improvements across the Trust, including enhancements to facilities and equipment purchases to support patient care and reduce waiting times.
Russell Nightingale, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said:
“Reducing waiting times is about more than meeting targets – it is about improving outcomes and experience for patients.
"This investment will help us to improve how we deliver the services we offer, boost productivity, increase efficiency and ensure patients receive the right care, at the right time.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“NHS staff and leaders at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust are leading the way to a brighter future for the NHS, so I want to recognise and reward their excellent work.
“Our brilliant frontline staff are innovating and finding new ways to run their surgeries and get patients seen faster. This government is backing them with extra investment and modernisation, and waiting lists are falling for the first time in 15 years as a result.
“This is what gives me hope that we can turn the NHS around, get people off waiting lists and back to their lives. There’s a long way to go, but the NHS is on the road to recovery.”
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