Senior Paramedic graduates from UWTSD after leading national patient safety improvement
A Senior Paramedic with the Welsh Ambulance Service has graduated from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) after completing the Professional Practice (Leadership in Emergency Services) programme. During her studies, Nadine Thomson developed a patient safety project that has since been adopted nationally across the Welsh Ambulance Service, helping to improve frontline clinical practice across Wales.
Nadine Thomson, who has worked within the Welsh Ambulance Service for several years undertook the programme as part of her professional development to strengthen her leadership skills and enhance her understanding of organisational change.
The programme, which was supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service, enabled Nadine to explore leadership, management, organisational culture and change management while applying her learning directly to real challenges within the emergency services. She said:
“My aim was to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become a more effective leader within the ambulance service. I wanted to gain a greater understanding of how successful change can be implemented within complex organisations and how leadership can influence both staff experience and patient outcomes. I also wanted to use the opportunity to deliver a meaningful improvement project that would have a positive impact on frontline practice.”
As part of the programme, Nadine completed a change project focused on implementing an updated cardiac arrest checklist within the Welsh Ambulance Service. Drawing on leadership theory, evidence-based practice and extensive stakeholder engagement, the project developed beyond an academic assignment into an operational improvement initiative.
The checklist has since been adopted nationally by the Welsh Ambulance Service, providing frontline clinicians with a consistent approach to managing cardiac arrest incidents and demonstrating how academic research can directly influence patient care. She added:
“What began as an academic project developed into a practical improvement initiative that gained organisational support and was subsequently implemented nationally across the Welsh Ambulance Service. Seeing an idea progress from coursework to national practice was incredibly rewarding and demonstrated how leadership, collaboration and evidence-based change can directly influence patient care.”
Reflecting on the impact of the programme, Nadine said the experience had strengthened both her professional capabilities and personal confidence.
“Professionally, the course gave me the tools and confidence to lead a change project from concept through to implementation. The knowledge gained around leadership, stakeholder engagement and change management played a key role in supporting the successful development of the cardiac arrest checklist project.
“The most tangible outcome is that the checklist developed as part of my studies has since been adopted nationally by the Welsh Ambulance Service. Knowing that a project undertaken during the course has influenced practice across the organisation is something I am extremely proud of.
“Personally, the course improved my confidence, critical thinking and ability to approach complex challenges in a structured and evidence-based way.”
Nadine credited the support of colleagues and mentors for helping make the project a success.
“I would like to thank Julie, our course leader, and my managers, Ieuan and Dai, for their encouragement and support throughout this project. I would also like to thank the Senior Paramedic team and my colleagues across the Gwynedd and Anglesey locality who took the time to complete my survey and share their experiences. Their input was invaluable in developing the checklist.”
Course Leader, Julie Crossman, said:
“I am absolutely delighted to see Nadine’s change project recognised and adopted by the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust. Her work illustrates the very best of professional practice education; identifying a real organisational challenge, devising a robust change management plan and applying evidence-informed leadership and change management approaches to the workplace. I believe Nadine’s work has delivered an outcome that will have a tangible impact on clinical staff and patient care across Wales.
“Nadine’s achievement is particularly special, and it stands alongside the work of many dedicated Senior Paramedics who have completed the PGCert programme over the past eight cohorts. Every student has undertaken a significant change project designed to improve practice within their own context, and I am immensely proud of the commitment, creativity, and professionalism they have all brought to that process, particularly when considering the very demanding nature of their professional roles. Nadine’s success demonstrates what is possible when individuals are empowered to lead positive change in their organisations, and I wish to extend my congratulations to Nadine and her fellow Senior Paramedics graduating this year.”
For more information about UWTSD’s Professional Practice Framework, visit here, or email ppf@uwtsd.ac.uk
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476