- The Trust’s application has been supported by Aston University
- The partnership will combine academic expertise, clinical practice and sharing knowledge
- Aston University and The Dudley Group and have several joint clinical academic appointments and reciprocal leadership appointments.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Consultation regarding the name change is currently underway and will be shared over the coming months.
See examples of research, education and innovation in this video, in collaboration with Aston University.
(l-r) Dr Gail Parsons Director of Research and Innovation at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Associate Professor of Practice, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University and Dr Julian Hobbs, Medical Director at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
- Notes to editors
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(l-r) Dr Gail Parsons Director of Research and Innovation at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Associate Professor of Practice, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University and Dr Julian Hobbs, Medical Director at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Further quotes
Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley, said: "I am very proud of what The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has to offer. Making our hospital a university facility is a win for both patients and future healthcare professionals. It ensures that we remain at the forefront of medical innovation while providing the next generation with the tools they need to succeed."Lord Ian Austin of Dudley said: “I’m thrilled to hear the news that The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded university status. This is an incredible accomplishment and will provide opportunities for growth and development – benefitting the people of Dudley and beyond.”
Cat Eccles, MP for Stourbridge, said: “University status will be a welcome boost for our hospital – helping it become an important research resource and attract the best talent. I am delighted for all the staff who’ve worked hard to achieve this.”
About The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Based in the heart of the Black Country, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is the main provider of hospital and adult community services to the populations of Dudley, significant parts of the Sandwell borough and smaller, but growing, communities in South Staffordshire and Wyre Forest.
The first hospital trust in the area to be awarded coveted Foundation Trust status in 2008, it provides a wide range of medical, surgical and rehabilitation services.
Currently the Trust serves a population of around 450,000 people from three hospital sites at Russells Hall Hospital, Guest Outpatient Centre in Dudley, and Corbett Outpatient Centre in Stourbridge. The Trust provides the full range of secondary care services and some specialist services for the wider populations of the Black Country and West Midlands region. The Trust also provides specialist adult community-based care in patients’ homes and in more than 40 centres in the Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council community.
The hospitals are among some of the most technologically advanced in the country, where state-of-the-art equipment and modern, purpose-built buildings combine to create the highest standards of patient care.About Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as continuing professional development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk