What is the Elective Capital Investment scheme for NHS hospitals?

It's a funding program by NHS England that rewards hospitals for successfully reducing waiting times for planned patient care.

How did Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust cut waiting times?

HDFT improved its performance in treating patients within the national 18-week target and reduced its overall waiting list.

What is the national target for planned care waiting times in the UK?

The national aim is for 92% of patients to be treated within 18 weeks of their referral.

Home / Health / NHS Trust Lands £2m for Cutting Care Wait Times

NHS Trust Lands £2m for Cutting Care Wait Times

15 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust received £2m in funding.
The trust was rewarded for improving elective care waiting times.
A 5.47% improvement in reaching the 18-week target was achieved.

NHS Trust Lands £2m for Cutting Care Wait Times

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded £2 million for its substantial progress in shortening patient waiting times for planned medical treatments. This financial injection comes from NHS England's new Elective Capital Investment scheme, designed to reward healthcare providers who excel in efficiency.

The trust's achievement is particularly notable given the national objective that 92% of patients should receive treatment within 18 weeks of their initial referral. HDFT demonstrated a 5.47% improvement in reaching this benchmark between April and September of last year. This progress was further evidenced by a reduction of over 1,000 patients from its waiting list during the same timeframe.

This successful initiative highlights the trust's dedication to enhancing patient flow and ensuring timely access to essential care. The funding is expected to support further advancements in their healthcare services, benefiting the local community.