Harrogate and District NHS awarded £2 million for cutting waiting times
Trust recognised for improving referral-to-treatment performance
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has been awarded £2 million in capital funding for its success in reducing waiting times for elective care, through NHS England’s Elective Capital Incentive Scheme.
HDFT is one of eight trusts to receive funding in the scheme’s first round, which rewards healthcare providers making significant progress in reducing referral-to-treatment (RTT) waiting times and overall waiting lists.
Between April and September 2025, HDFT achieved a 5.47% improvement in 18-week RTT performance and reduced its waiting list by more than 1,000 patients (4.7%). Importantly, no patients were waiting over 52 weeks for treatment.
Jonathan Coulter, Chief Executive at HDFT, expressed pride in the Trust’s achievements:
“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 have achieved the 92% RTT performance target, meaning patients are receiving treatment more quickly from the point of referral.”
How the improvements were made
The Trust implemented a targeted programme to increase capacity, streamline pathways, and improve patient flow across its elective services. Actions included additional clinics, optimised use of operating theatres, and aligning outpatient and inpatient activity to meet demand.
Specialties with the longest waiting lists were prioritised to ensure faster treatment times. In-depth service reviews and data-driven evidence helped inform the changes.
Russell Nightingale, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at HDFT, 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.”
Future investment in patient care
The £2 million capital investment will support further enhancements across HDFT’s elective services, including facility improvements and equipment purchases designed to streamline patient care.
Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary, praised the work of NHS staff at HDFT:
“NHS staff and leaders at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust are leading the way to a brighter future for the NHS. There’s a long way to go, but the NHS is on the road to recovery."
HDFT’s work supports the national ambition to return to the RTT Constitutional Standard, ensuring that 92% of patients start treatment within 18 weeks of referral.