UHNM secures £2 million NHS England capital funding following major improvement in patient waiting times

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been awarded £2 million in capital funding from NHS England after delivering one of the strongest improvements in elective care performance in the country.

The investment follows UHNM’s success in the first round of the 2025/26 National Elective Care Capital Incentive Scheme, which rewards NHS organisations making significant and sustained progress in reducing waiting times for patients.

Between April and September 2025, UHNM achieved the eighth-largest improvement in Referral-to-Treatment (RTT) performance nationally of all acute trusts, while also meeting key supplementary criteria, including reductions in long waits.

In a letter congratulating the Trust, Sir James Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England, praised the scale of the achievement and the commitment of staff across UHNM. 

He said: “Your organisation has delivered the eighth-largest improvement in RTT performance nationally between April and September 2025 of all acute providers, and met all supplementary criteria to reduce waiting lists and deliver your plans, including for your longest waiting patients. This is an outstanding achievement that reflects the sustained commitment and hard work of your clinical and operational teams. Your progress sets a strong example for other providers across the country.”

The £2 million capital funding will be used flexibly to support further care reform and transformation, helping UHNM continue to reduce waiting times and improve access to care for patients across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

Dr Simon Constable, Chief Executive of UHNM, said:

“This national recognition and investment is a powerful endorsement of the incredible work being delivered by our teams every day for patients. Achieving one of the largest improvements in waiting times in the country is something our staff should be immensely proud of, particularly given the intense pressures facing the NHS.

“This £2 million of funding will help us accelerate our plans to transform patient care, improve patient flow and ensure more people are seen, treated and cared for more quickly. I want to thank every member of staff who has played a part in this achievement.”