Scots health board becomes first in 50 years to receive university status

A Scottish health board has become the first in more than 50 years to be formally granted university status.

The award is in recognition of NHS Fife’s commitment to education, research and innovation, and acknowledges its partnership with the University of St Andrews.

It will officially be known as NHS Fife University Health Board, and was granted the status by the Scottish Parliament.

NHS Grampian, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian and NHS Tayside are also prescribed health boards.

The formal partnership between the health board and the university followed the end of a historic prohibition preventing St Andrews from awarding its own medical qualifications.

As a result, a new five-year medical degree programme was developed, allowing students to undertake all of their clinical training and complete their primary medical qualification in Fife.

A representative of the University of St Andrews will also become a member of the Fife NHS Board.

Carol Potter, chief executive, NHS Fife said: “Becoming a University Health Board is a landmark moment for NHS Fife and a testament to the strength of our partnership with the University of St Andrews.

“This designation recognises our shared commitment to excellence in education, world-class research and innovation, and will enable us to play an even greater role in shaping the future of healthcare in Scotland.

“We are incredibly proud to be leading the way as the first Scottish health board in over half a century to receive this honour.”

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, principal and vice-chancellor, University of St Andrews, added: “Achieving University Health Board status marks a significant milestone in deepening our partnership with NHS Fife.

“It will see the University of St Andrews take an active role in shaping local and national healthcare by joining the NHS Fife Board and contributing directly to strategic decision-making.

“This development strengthens our commitment to advancing research, delivering world-class teaching, and playing a leading role in addressing the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“Our responsibility as a university is not only to educate and graduate the next generation of medical professionals but also to work alongside our NHS colleagues to secure its future, playing a vital role in supporting the development of innovative solutions to regional and national health challenges and improving outcomes for patients in Fife and beyond.

“We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of our new five-year medical degree with NHS Fife in September.”

Scottish health secretary Neil Gray said: “It is great to see this partnership between NHS Fife and the University of St Andrews. This will be an excellent opportunity to embed research, education, and training across the region.

“It’s exciting to see how this new status will continue to drive improvements and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.”