A University of Wolverhampton Paramedic Science graduate has scooped a top award recently for going above and beyond during the pandemic.
Will Matthews, 22 from Gloucester, graduated from the Paramedic Science degree course which is delivered at the University’s Walsall Campus earlier this year and was named Outstanding Direct Entry Student Paramedic of the Year by West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS).
He picked up his award from Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive Officer at WMAS.
Will was nominated by his lecturer, Richard Howarth, for his commitment and dedication to learning and his excellent grades and he was chosen as the winner out of hundreds of nominations from five universities across the region.
Will said: “When I heard that I’d won the award I just sat smiling and couldn’t believe it - especially considering how competitive these awards are locally.
“I had kind of fallen into the career as no one in my immediate family is medically trained. I just went for it. I studied chemistry and biology at A Level but didn’t get into my first-choice university to study biomedical science, and I’m so glad I didn’t.
“I really loved Paramedic the course, it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done, but I put myself forward for all kinds of things, helping out in lecturers and mentoring other students. I love my job. There’s something different happening every day, the team bonding and spirit is amazing and you build relationships really quickly.
“I’m hoping to continue to expand on my knowledge, gain more experience, and then hopefully move fields to specialise in minor injuries.”
Richard Howarth, Lecturer in Paramedic Science at the University, said: “I was Will’s personal tutor throughout the majority of his course and he is an exemplary student who always strives for the best in both his academic work and practice placement.
“The feedback received from Will’s mentors has been amazing and despite the pandemic causing Will to miss a period of placement he has never lost his drive and determination to succeed. He is always a highly reflective student who is always looking at ways to improve himself in an effort to improve the patient care he delivers.
“Will is always willing to go above and beyond in the support of his peers, he is a peer mentor for both First and Second year students and is always happy to share his knowledge and experiences with them. I have no doubt that Will is going to be an exemplary paramedic and an asset to the profession.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “I wanted to demonstrate my personal appreciation for everything the winners of these awards, like Will, have done and continue to do. The NHS is under more pressure now than it has been before, and I know that each of our staff, students and volunteers, feel that every day.
“The last 18 months or so have not been easy for external students, with tough decisions having to be made around their placements in order to best protect the patients we serve. However, people like Will are an absolute testament to the NHS, always striving to do their utmost regardless of any adversities that come their way.
“The winners of this year’s awards have demonstrated a dedication to their role and the patients of the West Midlands, whether that be out on the road or behind the scenes. A huge congratulations once again to all the winners.” Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.
