Hospitals granted university status

The hospital trust has formed a partnership with Keele University

Two hospitals have been awarded university status, meaning they will be able to carry out more research and become more of a centre of education and learning.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has formed a partnership with Keele University and said the status would help it attract further research and investment.

Chief executive Jo Williams broke the news to staff at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital on Thursday and said keeping the secret had been "killing" both her and deputy medical director Jenni Rowlands.

The trust board chairman, Andrew Morgan, said the trust would update signs and update its logo but would not spend "oodles" of money.

Trust chief executive Jo Williams said she had found it difficult to keep the announcement to staff a secret

The accolade has been given in recognition of its work in research and education.

The trust currently has more than 50 research studies being carried out, and thousands of patients take part in the trials every year.

Dr John Jones, medical director at SaTH, said: "Developing a culture of education will allow our organisation to flourish.

"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."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.