While both trusts will still exist as separate entities, and will not be merging, but their top teams will be brought together.

Jo Williams, group chief executive, said: ‘From 1 April we will formalise our group between our organisations. This follows the approach taken by other NHS trusts to improve care for patients through accelerating joint working. Our priority is to make services better for our patients and offer a better experience for our staff. As a group, it is important we speak with one voice and one purpose and having a shared identity will support closer collaboration. 

‘The group name will not replace the legal names of SaTH or ShropCom, as there will be times we need to speak as individual trusts. We will take a sensible and sustainable approach gradually rolling-out our new name, ensuring value for money. 

‘Our priority is to make things better, not just different! We are listening to the feedback of our patients and staff and prioritising areas including urgent and emergency care, connecting digital systems and bringing care closer to home. Together, we are already seeing the benefits of improved resilience to some of our smaller services and access to clinical advice and professional support. It is early days, but we will keep building on this momentum and will keep sharing our progress.'