By EMS1 Staff
The Welsh Ambulance Service has hit a major milestone by earning University Trust status from the Welsh Government, a change that kicks in on April 1, according to a release.
They’ll now be known as the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust, the second ambulance service in the United Kingdom to secure the University Trust status.
Chief Executive Jason Killens shared his excitement, emphasizing that this milestone is beyond a name tweak.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to formally recognize the role we play in the education and development of ambulance workers and the world-class research we undertake to improve public health and advance treatments in the NHS, making a difference to people’s lives,” Killens said.
Watch for more on the Welsh Ambulance Service
Jo Kelso, who leads workforce education and development at the Trust, highlighted the partnership with universities as a cornerstone for offering top-notch learning and growth opportunities to their team.
“We are committed to ensuring colleagues have the very best education and development opportunities, and our partnership with universities is key to this,” Kelso said.
Professor Nigel Rees, assistant director of research and innovation, pointed out that the Trust is a pioneer in merging ambulance services with academia, known for its impactful research and innovations.
“WAST was amongst the first ambulance services internationally to embrace academia and has a longstanding reputation for developing and delivering high quality research and innovation,” Rees said.
As part of this new chapter, the Trust is updating its branding and introducing a new Crown Badge in celebration of King Charles III’s coronation, marking a new era of collaboration in healthcare education and research.