As Head of Integrated Urgent Care at the West Midlands Ambulance Service, Robert has spent the last seven years balancing a high-pressure career with rigorous research.
His achievement highlights the unique value of the professional doctorate programme, which is specifically designed to help senior leaders in police, fire and ambulance services navigate complex, fast-changing environments.
Rob’s research focused on a critical healthcare challenge: exploring how different approaches to patient care, including care in settings other than A&E, affects quality and performance.
“My thesis explored how different ambulance service models can help patients avoid unnecessary hospital trips,” Rob explained.
“I developed two new improvement models designed to enhance the patient experience and reduce pressure on hospitals.”
His work is already having a real world impact. The 47-year-old has been seconded to the NHS England ‘Getting It Right First Time’ (GIRFT) team, where he is applying his research to review and improve ambulance processes across England and Wales.
By bridging the gap between academic research and frontline practice, Rob’s work is helping to shape the future of emergency service leadership and his findings have even been referenced by a House of Lords Select Committee.
Rob, from Shropshire, was joined at graduation by his partner, who also works for the ambulance service, his daughter Sophie, who has just finished her first year studying veterinary science, and his brother and sister-in-law.
He said: “Earning my professional doctorate has been a challenge and a humbling experience that has taught me as much about perseverance as it did about research.
“My research into non-conveyance highlights how the choices we make at the front door of healthcare directly influence quality, outcomes and system performance.
“I hope this work helps leaders and clinicians strengthen decision-making and build more resilient models to deliver safe, effective urgent care.
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve had throughout this journey from my employer, supervision team and family.”
Professor Paresh Wankhade, Director of Research in Edge Hill’s Business School, praised his dedication: “It has been a privilege to supervise Rob. His study provides an empirically tested model for addressing patient care and hospital performance.
“This is a significant milestone for both Rob and the Business School’s commitment to scholarly support.”
For Rob, who is the first in his family to attend university, the journey was about more than just an academic qualification.
“My motto has been ‘why not me?’” Robert said.
“I left school with only basic qualifications but that wasn’t a barrier. The support I received at Edge Hill was incredible. Now I am a doctor, helping major organisations improve patient care and seeing my research influence national policy.
“To anyone considering a return to education, I say go for it. Your professional experience is a massive asset.”
Find out more about postgraduate education and the Business School at Edge Hill University.
July 29, 2026
