With the backing of the Trust Board and key partners, the organisation will be adopting a new name: The Queen Elizabeth Teaching Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust.
This significant milestone marks formal recognition of the hospital’s deep-rooted commitment to education, research, and the development of future healthcare professionals. It reflects years of dedication by staff and the strength of partnerships across the health and education sectors.
“Becoming a teaching hospital is a proud achievement and a reflection of the culture of learning we are nurturing,” said Chris Bown, Interim Executive Managing Director. “It demonstrates our commitment to developing a highly skilled and supported workforce – one that is empowered to deliver the very best care.”
Already known for excellence in clinical education and innovation, the new status will enhance the Trust’s ability to attract and retain top talent, deepen academic partnerships, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all services.
Dr Raj Shekhar, Director of Medical Education at The QEH, said: ‘’Achieving Teaching Hospital status is a significant milestone in our educational journey and a strong endorsement of the high-quality teaching and training consistently delivered by our medical education teams.
“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 (NNUH) and James Paget University Hospitals (JPUH) to form the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, approved by NHS England earlier this year. This collaboration aims to deliver outstanding patient care, grow the regional workforce, and lead research and innovation across Norfolk and Waveney.
Pippa Street, Chief Nurse, commented: “This recognition opens up even greater opportunities for clinical education and research – ultimately translating into better care and outcomes for our patients and communities.”
Helen Muncey, Head of Education, added: “This milestone acknowledges the outstanding work of our teams. As a teaching hospital, we will continue to deliver high-impact development programmes such as GROW (Guidance, Respect, Opportunities, Wellness), THRIVE (Transforming Healthcare, Reflection, Innovation, Values, Excellence), PREPARE (Pre-preceptorship Programme), and Caring with Kindness, ensuring staff at all levels have access to nationally recognised education and support.”
This is a proud moment for the Trust’s staff, patients, and local community – and a bold step forward in shaping the future of healthcare in the region.
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
QEH Media Hub 