A new collaboration between West Midlands Ambulance Service and Newman University is set to boost the opportunities for people from an ethnic minority within the ambulance sector.

This strategic partnership sets the stage for a dynamic partnership that will bring about significant advancements in establishing and maintaining joint staff activities including research, curriculum development, staff exchanges, and collaborative ventures.

The MOU, signed on 17th July, establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations, in particular with the newly created School of Nursing and Allied Health. The partnership will foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and professional development opportunities for healthcare practitioners and students.

• Key elements of the Memorandum of Understanding include:
• A Student Paramedic Course which will train more students to degree level.
• Cooperation in Teaching and Research & Development which will comprise joint research, curriculum development, staff exchanges, and collaborative ventures.
• Consultancy and Continuing Professional Development which will explore the possible provision of joint services and will collaborate to formulate joint tenders as appropriate.

WMAS Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh said: “As the first and only ‘university’ ambulance service, we have a long history of pioneering education and research.

"I am delighted that we will together with Newman University offer more opportunities to people from all sectors of our local community.”

As the newest nursing and physiotherapy education provider in the city of Birmingham, the School of Nursing & Allied Health is in the newly refurbished Nursing and Allied Health facility at the Bartley Green campus.

The school will provide state-of-the-art nursing and physiotherapy facilities, including an immersive room designed to recreate the experience of working in a busy health environment and using enhanced realism to train and teach students.

Students will be able to choose between three distinct courses in Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Physiotherapy from September 2023, developed in collaboration with the university’s practice partners and delivered by a highly experienced and passionate clinical teaching team.

From September 2024 Paramedic Science (BSc) Hons and Occupational Therapy (BSc) Hons will also be offered.