Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has appointed Julia Nixon as its new Chief Operating Officer following a national recruitment process, further strengthening the Trust’s executive leadership team as it continues to enhance services for patients across the communities it serves.
Julia Nixon joined the Trust on 13 July, bringing more than 24 years of NHS experience and a proven track record of leading large-scale operational services, improving performance and supporting frontline teams to deliver high-quality patient care.
The COO role is central to the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate healthcare, overseeing the day-to-day management of clinical services while helping to shape the organisation’s long-term strategic ambitions.
She succeeds Russell Nightingale, who served as HDFT’s Chief Operating Officer from April 2021 before moving to the role of Chief Delivery Officer at University Hospital Tees earlier this year.
Prior to joining HDFT, Julia Nixon spent two years as Associate Chief Operating Officer for Remote Care at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, where she led innovative services supporting patients through remote and urgent care pathways.
Before that, she held a number of senior leadership positions during an 11-year career at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, including Clinical Lead for Transformation, Operations Director for Urgent and Emergency Care and Cancer Services, and Deputy Chief Operating Officer.
Throughout her NHS career, Julia Nixon has earned a reputation for driving operational excellence, developing high-performing services and maintaining a clear focus on improving both patient outcomes and staff experience.
Announcing the appointment, Jonathan Coulter, Chief Executive of HDFT, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Julia to our Trust. She joins us with a wealth of experience gained across a range of NHS organisations and a proven track record of leading complex operational services.
“Julia’s leadership style, commitment to quality and passion for improving services for patients make her an excellent fit for our organisation. As we continue to develop our services and respond to the challenges facing the NHS, her expertise will be invaluable in helping us deliver outstanding care for the communities we serve.
“I know colleagues across the Trust will join me in welcoming Julia to HDFT and wishing her every success in her new role.”
Speaking about her appointment, Julia Nixon said:
“I am delighted to be joining Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and becoming part of an organisation with such a strong reputation for delivering quality improvement, high-quality care and putting patients at the heart of everything it does.
“Throughout my career I have been passionate about supporting frontline teams to provide the very best care possible. I look forward to working with colleagues across the Trust, our partners and local communities to build on the excellent work already taking place and to help shape the future of services for our patients.
“HDFT has big ambitions and it is a privilege to join HDFT at such an important time. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and I look forward to continuing to transform and develop services across the whole of the geography that HDFT covers.”
The appointment comes at an important time for HDFT as the Trust continues to invest in service transformation, strengthen partnerships and deliver high-quality care across hospital and community settings. With extensive operational leadership experience gained across Yorkshire’s healthcare system, Julia Nixon is expected to play a key role in supporting the Trust’s future development and strategic priorities.
Image credit: iStock and Harrogate and District NHS FT
