17th July 2017
Welsh Ambulance Service moves research and innovation offices to Swansea University Medical School
The Welsh Ambulance Service has moved its research and innovation offices to the Institute of Life Sciences at Swansea University Medical School, further strengthening the links between the two teams.
The longstanding relationship between the Trust and the university has resulted in ambulance service research which is of international significance.
This includes several ongoing projects with the Health Services Research team led by Prof Helen Snooks, such as the SAFER and SAFER 2 projects, which examine the best ways to prevent and treat falls in older people.
Swansea Trials Unit is the designated trials unit for the Trust, and along with the Research Design and Conduct Service presents many opportunities to produce high-quality research in ambulance services, emergency and pre-hospital care.
The two organisations have close educational and academic links through the Undergraduate Paramedic Practice programme, which is the only provider of pre-registration education for paramedics in Wales.
The Trust is also a key partner of the university in large-scale developments for Wales and the region such as the ARCH project – A Regional Collaboration in Health.
This aims to transform healthcare in south west Wales, and involves industry, academic, health and other partners.
Nigel Rees, Head of Research and Innovation for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “The Trust has strong links with Swansea University which have enabled us to develop and deliver high quality research and innovations. By co-locating our offices within the Institute of Life Science, it presents many opportunities for greater collaboration to improve the quality of care we provide and how we deliver ambulance services in Wales and across the world.”
Professor Keith Lloyd, Dean and Head of Swansea University Medical School, said: “On behalf of Swansea University Medical School, I’m delighted to welcome the Welsh Ambulance Services to our Institute of Life Science. It’s vital that our services are underpinned by robust evidence and research. So having their research and development office based here will help us build further links with the NHS and strengthen the excellent research already carried out here into improving pre-hospital care.”