The move will see the trusts  remain as separate statutory organisations while appointing a shared leadership to oversee strategy and service delivery and followed the appointment of chief executive in common, Jo Williams, and chair in common, Andrew Morgan.

Speaking following the decision by both boards yesterday, Morgan said: ‘Today's announcement is an exciting step forward for both organisations. By working together, we can accelerate our exciting transformation work. Listening to our staff, patient representatives and partners we know closer collaboration will bring significant opportunities for the communities we serve.

‘Our plans are in the early stages and now the work really begins to develop the detail and manage a seamless transition to a group by April 2026. We are clear that forming a group will not distract us from what matters most.

‘Our priority is to make services better for our patients and offer a better experience for our staff. Our communities will not be impacted during these changes to our senior leadership structures. We will continue to inform and involve our staff, communities and partners at every stage of our progress.'