We develop and host research studies with a focus on pre-hospital healthcare, injuries and emergencies, and other clinical specialities. We also explore non-clinical research opportunities involving the organisation and our workforce. 

We serve a diverse population with a variety of healthcare needs. We are committed to improving the care and experience of all our patients by generating new evidence that will inform advances in the clinical care we provide.

We work together with a range of partners including the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the National Ambulance Research Steering Group (NARSG), NHS organisations and academic institutions to engage in research that will improve the health outcomes of the population.

We are dedicated to building and sustaining an environment in which high quality research is undertaken so that as an organisation, we can successfully contribute to improving the health and wealth of the nation.

The Research and Development (R&D) Team is led by Consultant Paramedic, Steve Bell, and consists of Research Support Manager, Sandra Igbodo, and Research Paramedic, Betty Pennington.

Research approval and service evaluation registration

All research studies and service evaluation projects that involve our staff, patients, their tissue or information, equipment or other NHS resources must be submitted to R&D Team for review. This includes projects being undertaken by students as part of their educational qualification. Please contact research.development@nwas.nhs.uk for information about the local approval process.

Research studies may only commence when written Confirmation of Capacity and Capability has been issued (for HRA Approval studies) or R&D Management Approval has been granted (for non-HRA Approval studies).

Service evaluation projects must be authorised by the manager for the service in which the evaluation is being undertaken and the Area Consultant Paramedic for the region in which the project is taking place. The completed service evaluation application must be submitted to the R&D Team who is responsible for registering the project and maintaining a central database of this activity.

Contact information

For discussion and guidance about research proposals, finance, policies, new submissions, the approvals process, study amendments, Research Passports (including Letters of Access and Honorary Research Contracts), training and events, please contact research.development@nwas.nhs.uk