New £2 million investment in Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust to improve life for patients
Harrogate Hospital has been awarded £2 million from NHS England in recognition of the significant progress it has made in reducing waiting times for patients.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) is one of eight trusts to receive funding through the first round of NHS England’s new Elective Capital Incentive Scheme.
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."
Launched earlier 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.
Jonathan Coulter, Chief Executive at HDFT, 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.
"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.”
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 more than 52 weeks for treatment.
Services ran additional clinics, maximised the use of operating theatres, and outpatient and inpatient activity was aligned to meet demand.
Specialties and areas with the longest waiting lists were focussed on to deliver improvements in waiting times.
The £2 million capital investment will support elective improvements across the Trust, including enhancements to facilities and equipment purchases.