SaTH's application was made in partnership with Keele University with both organisations having strong foundations in continuous improvement and research, collaborative working and a commitment to life-long learning and education.

Jo Williams, chief executive at SaTH, said: ‘We have an ambitious research and innovation portfolio and believe strongly in homegrown clinically led research. We have an impressive success rate in recruiting research participants and excellent rates in securing and leading multi-million-pound research projects. Now that we have been recognised as a university trust, we will build on our ambition to be known for delivering modern and transformative, evidence-based care for our patients and communities, who are at the heart of all we do.'

Professor Kevin Shakesheff, vice-chancellor of Keele University, said: ‘I'm thrilled that our colleagues at SaTH have been successful in their bid for university trust status. Partnerships between universities and healthcare providers, like our work with SaTH, form a strong foundation for healthcare research and teaching. This will ultimately have huge benefits for the communities that the trust serves, ensuring they have access to the best quality care informed by research.'

The trust's next step will be to officially request a new logo and slight amend to its name to recognise that it is now a university trust.