The move to reinforce their long-standing collaboration enables West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) to continue as a University Ambulance Service, having become the first in the country to do so in 2018 when WMAS partnered with Wolverhampton University.
It will also build on extensive work by University of Staffordshire that has helped to provide mentorship programmes for WMAS and the ability to run conversion courses for staff wishing to upgrade from technician to paramedic level.
The new partnership will focus on enhanced bi-lateral participation, the future delivery of ambulance-specific simulation and advanced educational provision.
Key areas will include behavioural science, crew resource management and learning within high-speed driving environments, using concise neurological learning approaches to support students and clinicians in developing the skills required for modern pre-hospital care.
As part of the agreement, WMAS and University of Staffordshire will work together to establish and maintain joint staff activities including research, which will help create innovation, allow staff exchanges and other shared ventures. Where appropriate, the two organisations will work together in seeking external funding to support these areas as well.
Enhanced research streams will also benefit ambulance services across the UK, demonstrating the fundamental value and efficiencies of a collaborative approach. By combining academic expertise with frontline operational insight, the research will support evidence-based improvements which will ultimately be of benefit to patients.
Senior leaders from both organisations have highlighted the importance of the relationship, which was formally agreed at WMAS’ headquarters in Brierley Hill on Monday.
WMAS Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “This continued and newly aligned partnership with University of Staffordshire is an important step forward for us and will help WMAS to remain as a University NHS Foundation Trust and be at the forefront of delivering the best education and training to our staff, in order to continue providing the best patient care to our communities.
“We continue to deliver paramedicine Level 5 and Level 6 education internally, something that will prove to be a huge benefit for students and our future employees looking to forge a career in the ambulance service.
“We really value the partnership we have with University of Staffordshire and are proud to be working together on a more formal and committed basis.”
Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor of University of Staffordshire, said: “Formalising our partnership with West Midlands Ambulance Service University Trust marks an important step in strengthening how education, research and clinical practice come together to improve patient care.
“This partnership brings together our shared expertise to develop a highly skilled, future-ready workforce for urgent and pre-hospital care. By working more closely on curriculum design, apprenticeships, staff development and applied research, we can ensure education is shaped by real-world practice, driving improvements in patient safety, professional excellence and outcomes for communities across the region and beyond.”