University status awarded to hospital trust
The NHS trust that runs the main hospitals in the county has been granted university status. This recognition for The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) is for its continued work in research and education.
The prestigious new title will help to attract further research and investment, creating an exciting environment for academic and clinical advancement. It will also help the trust to deliver high quality care.
SaTH, which manages the Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, made the application in partnership with Keele University. Both organisations share a commitment to continuous improvement, research, and lifelong learning.
This academic status is strengthened by other partnerships with universities and research teams that teach and train new healthcare professionals.
This is a significant milestone that will help develop new treatments and practices more quickly, as well as supporting the future workforce with improved education. SaTH currently has over 50 research studies being carried out, with thousands of patients taking part in trials every year.
Jo Williams, Chief Executive at SaTH, said: “We have an ambitious research and innovation portfolio and believe strongly in homegrown clinically led research.
“Now that we have been recognised as a university trust, we will build on our ambition to be known for delivering modern and transformative, evidence-based care for our patients and communities, who are at the heart of all we do.”
Dr John Jones, Medical Director at SaTH, said the status would allow the organisation to flourish.
He said: “It’s not just about educating medical students, but nurses and corporate colleagues across our hospitals as well which will allow us to recruit and retain the best staff.”
Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “I’m thrilled that our colleagues at SaTH have been successful in their bid for university trust status.
“This will ultimately have huge benefits for the communities that the Trust serves, ensuring they have access to the best quality care informed by research.”
The trust will now officially request a new logo and a slight amendment to its name.
