The University is committing to work with the UK’s first University ambulance service to develop education and paramedic science.
From left, Dr Ann Ewens, Pro Vice Chancellor Ieuan Ellis, Kim Nurse,Eileen Cox and Sir Graham Meldrum
“We’d like to take our work with the Trust to the next level and following positive discussions we’ve agreed that it will be useful to organise a summit which looks at how the wider University can support the Trust in a digital age.”
The University is one of five universities in the West Midlands that delivers paramedic training in the form of a three-year Paramedic Science degree course and a 32-week professional development course which supports ambulance technicians to upskill to paramedics.
In recognition of their close working relationship with universities in the region, West Midlands Ambulance Service recently announced its intention to be recognised as the first ambulance service University NHS foundation trust in the country.
Staffordshire University Dean of the School of Health and Social Care, Dr Ann Ewens said: “Our University has a proud history of developing healthcare workers of the future with a strong emphasis on patient care and safety and we are delighted to entering into a new agreement with the Trust with a view to continue this important work.”
“We’d like to take our work with the Trust to the next level and following positive discussions we’ve agreed that it will be useful to organise a summit which looks at how the wider University can support the Trust in a digital age.”
For over a decade, all paramedics in the West Midlands have been educated and trained at university. During a visit to Staffordshire University’s Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Education by Trust representatives Sir Graham Meldrum, Kim Nurse and Eileen Cox Staffordshire University reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Trust with the signing of a Memo of Understanding.
Trust Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum, said: “Our work with the universities is producing tangible benefits for the Trust, our staff and ultimately benefits our patients. The Trust works in partnership with universities to further develop education, training and research opportunities that take the ambulance sector into the future. This is an exciting development and one that allows us to articulate our position in the ambulance sector going forward. “
“We have a significant role to play in the education and training of our current and future workforce, contribute to the research and evidence base to develop the paramedic profession, and extend our understanding of the urgent and emergency care needs in the pre-hospital environment.”
WMAS Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, Kim Nurse, added: “We have been the leading ambulance service in the development of paramedics through a university process. Our close partnerships and collaborations mean that over the last decade, literally thousands of students have undertaken placements with the Trust as they learn their profession. Currently over 700 student paramedics are being trained with more than 400 more entering full-time study.”