Nottingham Trent University and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Sign Landmark Memorandum of Understanding

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (SFHT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare education, research, and innovation across Nottinghamshire and the wider region.

The MoU sets out a shared commitment to collaborate across key areas including clinical and non-clinical placements, workforce development and digital transformation. The partnership will focus on improving the health and wellbeing of local communities while supporting the recruitment, education, and retention of high-quality healthcare professionals. 

Initial areas of focus include expanding placement opportunities for NTU students, developing joint research initiatives, and creating pathways for employment and education in both clinical and non-clinical roles.

Steve Denton, Vice-Chancellor and President of Nottingham Trent University, said: 

“This partnership reflects our shared ambition to make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities. By combining NTU’s academic excellence with the clinical expertise of Sherwood Forest Hospitals, we are creating new opportunities for students, staff, and the wider population. Together, we will drive innovation, support workforce development, and strengthen the civic role of both institutions.” 
 
Dr David Selwyn, Acting Chief Executive at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: 

“Sherwood Forest Hospitals is committed to improving lives across the communities we serve and this partnership with Nottingham Trent University is another brilliant example of how we work with other local organisations to do just that.

“This exciting partnership will help our local hospitals to explore research and innovation opportunities with our local education providers, helping our local NHS to access the cutting-edge facilities and thinking that our universities have to offer.

“Crucially, this commitment will also create more opportunities for local people to step into the NHS to learn and work locally – helping to meet the needs of our local communities, both now and for many years to come.” 

The commitment builds on the institutions’ individual partnerships with West Nottinghamshire College. The partnership will also extend to the University, College and Trust working together to design university healthcare courses that will prepare local people for working in the local health and care sector.