University status welcomed by Council
The Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council has welcomed the news that Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust has been awarded university status.
The news, announced this week, saw the Trust – which runs Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, granted the status to recognise its work in research and education after it submitted a bid in partnership with Keele University.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:
“This is excellent news for the Hospital Trust and great news for Telford residents too as it supports the development of healthcare research and teaching to take place right here in the Borough. From educating medical students, nurses and other health professionals as well as securing multi-million pound research projects, the university status can only be a good thing and, importantly, it all benefits residents in our local community, ensuring they have access to the highest quality of care.”
The medical students undertaking work and research in Telford is part of an expansive educational offer in the Borough, which is currently growing with the ongoing development of an academic campus in the heart of Telford Town Centre. The Quad opened 12 months ago and is home to Harper Adams University, a new digital skills hub and a start-up business hub whilst ‘Telford 6th’ will provide a modern new home for Telford College’s A-Level provision when it opens in September 2026.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s (SaTH) application was made in partnership with Keele University. Both organisations have strong foundations in continuous improvement and research, collaborative working and a commitment to life-long learning and education.