23 September 2025

The two Boards of Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust and The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust have agreed to establish a Group between the organisations.

Under the proposals the Trusts would remain as separate statutory organisations, whilst seeking to appoint a shared leadership across both organisations to oversee strategy and service delivery.

This follows the appointment of a shared Chief Executive in Common, Jo Williams, and Chair in Common, Andrew Morgan.

Forming a Group model follows the approach taken by other NHS trusts across the country to improve care for patients through joint working and offer greater value for taxpayers.

At their first Boards’ meeting in Common today (Tuesday 23 September), both Boards reviewed the Case for Change, which sets out the shared priorities for the Group:

• Delivering more care and resources in the community, supported by two thriving acute hospitals

• Transforming care through the Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme and Hospitals Transformation Programme

• Increased focus on prevention and tackling inequalities through neighbourhood working (sickness to prevention)

• Developing the workforce – right staff, right skills, right places, right times

• Collective focus on analogue to digital agenda – improving patient pathways

• Modern clinical models and ways of working – right tools and environment

• Supporting the health and wellbeing of staff

• Building an inclusive workforce – everyone has a voice and is valued

Andrew Morgan, Chair in Common for both Trusts, 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.”

Following today’s Boards’ meeting in Common, the Trusts will continue to work with NHS England and other partners as detailed plans are developed and reviewed. The aim is for both organisations to formally become a Group by April 2026 with the necessary Governance and senior leadership structures in place.

To find out more visit www.shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk or www.sath.nhs.uk