The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has been granted university status, recognising its hard work to drive innovation, enhance academic collaborations and invest in research partnerships, bringing a variety of benefits to patients, students, and the local community.
The Trust’s application has been supported by Aston University. The partnership between The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Aston University, underpinned by a memorandum of understanding, aims to drive innovation in clinical education, research, and patient care by combining academic expertise and clinical practice and sharing knowledge.
In tandem with being granted university status, the Trust is now working towards being a member of the University Hospital Association, a membership organisation made up of 41 UK university hospitals. It focuses on advancing medical education, research and innovation in healthcare, ensuring that university hospitals contribute effectively to the NHS and medical advancements.
Adhering to a five-year plan, the Trust is undergoing the rigorous process of evidence gathering to meet the Association’s criteria for membership. This includes demonstrating that the Trust encourages and nurtures innovation within its workforce, provides opportunities for further training, and collaborates on research studies with facilities such as Aston University.
By meeting these criteria and receiving membership, the Trust will be a part of a unified voice with other university hospitals, connecting with experts, opening new doors to advanced development in care, and shaping the future of healthcare in the UK.
The Dudley Group and Aston University have several joint clinical academic appointments and reciprocal leadership appointments – Professor Anthony Hilton, pro-vice chancellor and executive dean of the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University is a non-executive director on the Trust’s board, while the Trust’s group chief executive, Diane Wake, sits on the University advisory board. The
partners’ research collaborations are developing new medical treatments and technologies which combine the Trust’s clinical expertise with the University’s academic expertise. This includes projects addressing healthcare challenges particular to Dudley’s local communities.
The partnership helps to attract world class clinicians with research expertise to the Trust’s hospitals. Healthcare professionals at the Trust, as well as University staff and students, have access to the latest clinical advancements and knowledge, improving patient outcomes. It ensures that the University’s medical and healthcare education and training remains evidence-based and responsive to patient needs.
The partnership facilitates knowledge exchange, clinical trials, and workforce development. Dr Julian Hobbs, medical director at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We’re immensely proud of this achievement. This recognises the dedication and hard work of all our incredible colleagues, and highlights our commitment to moving forward with innovation, research and education. Strong research and education improve staff retention and patient outcomes. We’re looking forward to becoming a member of the University Hospital Association and taking the public along with us on the journey.”
Diane Wake, group chief executive at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Being granted university status marks a transformative milestone for the Trust. It affirms our dedication to excellence in patient care, medical education and groundbreaking research. We’re grateful for the support on this journey as we stride to shape the future of healthcare.”
Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive at Aston University, said:
“This partnership marks a defining milestone in Aston University’s strategic positioning, by establishing Aston as the driving academic force behind the new University Hospital Trust. As only the second such Trust in the West Midlands named for and powered by a research-intensive university, we’re transforming healthcare delivery across our region while elevating Aston’s influence in medical innovation nationwide. By seamlessly integrating our academic excellence with clinical practice, we’re pioneering advancements that enhance education, research outcomes, and patient care—positioning Aston University at the forefront of healthcare transformation in the UK.”
Consultation regarding the name change is currently underway and will be shared over the coming months. See examples of our research, education and innovation in this video, in collaboration with Aston University.
