SAS and the University of Glasgow Enter into a New Strategic Partnership

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) and the University of Glasgow have entered into a new strategic partnership that will see the two prominent organisations collaborate in order to address key healthcare challenges.

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) and the University of Glasgow have entered into a new strategic partnership that will see the two prominent organisations collaborate in order to address key healthcare challenges.

Focused on improving the health and wellbeing of the population of Glasgow, Scotland and beyond, as well as wider community and economic benefits, the strategic partnership will also see the SAS officially become a university NHS Board.

Pauline Howie OBE, Chief Executive of the SAS and Tom Steele, Chair of SAS, met with Professor Jill Pell, Deputy Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, at a Glasgow ambulance station yesterday (20 December 2022), marking the start of the important relationship between the two organisations.

The strategic partnership will be rooted in collaboration, as the two organisations seek to work together on key areas including research and development, education and wider community benefits. Innovation in healthcare will be a key theme, achieved through working with sector-leading projects such as the University of Glasgow’s Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine, an internationally leading programme supported by UKRI Strength in Places Funding.

SAS and the University of Glasgow will also look to develop collaborative research programmes, including opportunities for post graduate research and education, as well as working with young people in Glasgow’s communities. The University of Glasgow’s world-changing research teams will also work with SAS colleagues to address some of the key healthcare challenges faced by patients in Glasgow and beyond.

The partnership is signed ahead of the proposed redevelopment of Glasgow’s South Station, which, subject to funding approval, will create a sustainable ambulance station in the heart of Govan. It is hoped the new facility, supported by a range of key stakeholders, will play an important role in SAS’s health programme in the area.

Pauline Howie OBE, Chief Executive of The Scottish Ambulance Service’s says: “I’m delighted that SAS has entered into this exciting partnership with the University of Glasgow. It will ensure we can combine our knowledge and resources to expand on research and innovation in healthcare. It will also help us work together to support the wellbeing of communities within Glasgow and across Scotland, and to create a collaborative community space at our South Station once funding is confirmed.

“The partnership supports our vision of saving lives, reducing inequalities, and improving health and wellbeing, and it also aligns with the University of Glasgow’s aim of delivering economic and social benefits for Glasgow and Scotland.”

Professor Jill Pell, Deputy Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, said: “The University of Glasgow is delighted to be forming a strategic partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service, which will benefit not only the community in Glasgow, but the wider population in Scotland and beyond.

“This partnership will be key to our research and development goals in healthcare innovation, translating cutting-edge science into a real-world clinical setting for the benefit of patients and the NHS. Working together with our sector-leading Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine, as well as our wider world-changing research teams, we are proud that this partnership will be able to deliver healthcare, economic and community benefits.”