You may not see academics roaming the corridors in a traditional cap and gown, but Southend Hospital, in Prittlewell Chase, is an important centre of higher learning.

The hospital's official title, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, denotes its dedication to training medics of the future as a teaching hospital.

It prides itself on having senior doctors and clinicians passing on their knowledge and skills.

In fact, many students who train at the hospital return to work there according to Dr Fernando Moro-Azuela, the hospital's undergraduate tutor, who is also associate dean for Queen Mary and Westfield College which is affiliated to Bart's and the London Hospitals.

He said: "At Southend, students get a very high calibre of teaching. We have always been the jewel in the crown of Bart's and the London Hospital Medical Colleges."

"Our students recognise the standard of teaching here is very high and many come back to work here once they have qualified.

"The fact we are a called a university hospital means we are a centre of excellence."

The word university was added when the hospital achieved foundation status in 2006. It reflects the teaching that has long been a tradition there.

Foundation status had been a goal for the hospital for around two years, during which time it underwent rigorous inspection of its finances by independent monitor.

The status means it has greater independence from the Department of Health and more control over its spending.

Staff, patients and the community also have more say on how the hospital is run and Dr Moro-Azuela believes being a teaching hospital also benefits patients.

He said: "Having university status recognises our academic achievement. It means we are committed to education which has repercussions in the quality of care our patients receive."

His comments are echoed by clinical director of medicine Dr Tony Davison who said: "University status reflects very highly on all of my colleagues in terms of the hours and dedication they spend teaching medical students.

"I think good teaching also raises standards of clinical care."

As well as being given the opportunity of gaining valuable clinical experience with patients, the hospital also houses a dedicated education centre for students.

Dr Moro-Azuela organises the undergraduates' timetables to make sure they receive the best tuition.

Although much of his time is devoted to teaching, while managing all the administration duties, he is also studying for his own Msc in medical education.

In between all that, and working as a kidney specialist, Dr Moro-Azuela manages to organise and help mark exam papers. He believes helping others to learn benefits his own professional development.

"The best way to learn is to teach," he explained.

"Medical education is changing to modernise medical careers. Teaching ensures I constantly keep on top of everything.

"Many busy consultant physicians and surgeons are devoted to medical education. They have a wealth of expertise and spend a lot of time imparting it.

His thoughts are backed up by current students who praised the teachings as "excellent" and "the best ever".

Dr Davison added: "All these comments speak volumes for the dedication and skills of the consultants involved. They really do give a flavour of what Southend Hospital is all about."