The status is formal recognition of the hospital's deep-rooted commitment to education, research, and the development of future healthcare professionals.

The organisation will be adopting a new name: The Queen Elizabeth Teaching Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust.

Chris Bown, interim executive managing director, said: ‘Becoming a teaching hospital is a proud achievement and a reflection of the culture of learning we are nurturing.

‘It demonstrates our commitment to developing a highly skilled and supported workforce – one that is empowered to deliver the very best care.'

Dr Raj Shekhar, director of medical education at The QEH, said: ‘This recognition affirms the excellence and rigorous standards upheld by our medical educators and is a testament to their enduring commitment to cultivating enriching educational settings for resident doctors, medical students and other learners.

‘This designation further strengthens The QEH's role as a centre of clinical and educational excellence, enhancing our partnerships with medical universities and training bodies as we continue to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.'

This development comes at a pivotal time, as The Queen Elizabeth joins forces with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals and James Paget University Hospitals to form the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, approved by NHS England earlier this year.