Health Education and Improvement Wales - HEIW

24/03/2026

Want to find out more about our work at Health Education and Improvement Wales?

You're invited to join our online board meeting.

Thursday 26 March 2026 at 11:15am

Key agenda topics will include:

•the approval of our Integrated Medium Term Plan 2026-2029 that outlines our strategic priorities to develop a skilled and sustainable workforce, across Wales, that improves care and population health

•a presentation on HEIW’s first Internal Workforce Plan, a core part of our People and Organisational Development Strategy setting out how we will attract, support, develop and deploy our people so they can thrive and do their best work

•an update on the impact and legacy of the 3 year Strategic Mental Health Workforce Plan

•a progress update on the HEIW Workforce Race Equality Standard that outlines actions and next steps to support continued progress in advancing workforce race equality at HEIW.

Click here to register to join the meeting: https://heiw.nhs.wales/about-us/board-and-committee-meetings/

24/03/2026

We've worked with partners to create 45 new mental health practice based learning opportunities for Allied Health Professions (AHPs) across Wales.

These real world experiences strengthen students’ understanding of mental health and wellbeing, enabling them to better support people across all work settings.

Aligned to the Strategic Mental Health Workforce Plan for Health and Social Care, these placements demonstrate how community designed, integrated care works in practice, supporting people to receive the right support, in the right place, first time.

Read our latest news to learn more:
https://heiw.nhs.wales/updates/news/growing-practice-based-mental-health-learning-opportunities-for-ahp-students/

24/03/2026

The 2026 GMC National Training Surveys are open!

If you’re a resident doctor in training or a trainer, don’t miss out on this chance to have your say and support excellent training in Wales.

https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/gmc-online

23/03/2026

A brand new interactive healthcare science experience has arrived at Xplore! Science Discovery

HEIW has launched an exciting new exhibit that lets visitors step inside a virtual hospital and explore real NHS scenarios, guided by real healthcare scientists.

This immersive experience helps young people discover the amazing science roles that keep our NHS running and shows how their skills could make a difference in the future. It’s part of HEIW’s work to inspire future careers and open up opportunities for children and families across Wales.

The exhibit is now a permanent feature at Xplore!, ready for schools, families and community groups to enjoy all year round.

Xplore Science Discovery Centre

You can read the full story here: https://heiw.nhs.wales/updates/news/new-immersive-healthcare-science-experience-launched-by-heiw-at-xplore-science-discovery-centre/

Watch the videos Xplore! Science Discovery Centre - Where Science Lives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir9Sv7tpK4s

23/03/2026

HEIW data shows the majority of bursary supported dental hygiene and therapy graduates are choosing to stay and work in Wales. In 2025, 90% of dental therapists and 63% of dental hygienists were still in Wales eight months after qualifying.

The NHS Wales Bursary is helping us track early career paths more accurately and plan a sustainable workforce for the future. By supporting students through training and into practice, HEIW is strengthening dental care for communities across Wales.

Read our latest news to learn more: https://heiw.nhs.wales/updates/news/nhs-wales-bursary-boosts-retention-of-dental-hygienists-and-therapists-in-wales/

20/03/2026

Every voice counts!

The 2026 GMC National Training Surveys open on 24 March 2026.

If you are a resident doctor in training or a trainer, this is your chance to have your say on your learning and training experience in the UK.

Learn more: https://heiw.nhs.wales/updates/news/gmc-national-training-surveys-launches-24-march-2026/

20/03/2026

Are you a dentist with an interest in paediatric dentistry and looking to further develop your skills?

Applications are now open for the Dentists with Enhanced Skills (DES) Level 2 Paediatric Dentistry Training Programme.

This All Wales training programme is designed to develop and up-skill practitioners, supporting dentists who have the appropriate skills, experience and commitment to deliver an enhanced level of paediatric dentistry care. The programme enables participants to provide Level 2 paediatric dental care within Wales and supports progression towards DES accreditation in Paediatric Dentistry.

The programme runs over 24 months and includes supervised clinical sessions in specialist paediatric dentistry settings, engagement with an allocated specialist mentor, and attendance at programme study days.

We welcome applications from dentists in all sectors working in Wales. We are particularly keen to receive applications from General Dental Practitioners (GDPs), with two dedicated training places prioritised for GDP applicants. If you’re looking to take the next step in your paediatric career, this is an excellent opportunity to do so.

Closing date for applications: 1st May 2026

Further information about the programme structure, eligibility criteria and application process is available on the HEIW website
https://heiw.nhs.wales/education-training/a-z/dental/dentists-with-enhanced-skills/paediatric-dentistry-des-accreditation/

18/03/2026

Welcome to Dr Sam Donohue, who has been appointed as our new Executive Director of Nursing, Health Professions and Quality.

Sam brings a wealth of experience in clinical leadership, workforce development, national policy and professional regulation, most recently serving as Interim Executive Director at the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

In her new role, she will play a key part in how NHS Wales develops its current and future workforce. With a focus on nursing, midwifery, allied health professions and healthcare science, Sam will work with partners to embed multi professional working, sustainable workforce models and flexible career pathways.
https://heiw.nhs.wales/updates/news/health-education-and-improvement-wales-heiw-have-appointed-dr-sam-donohue-to-the-role-of-director-of-nursing-health-professions-and-quality/

18/03/2026

Really helpful reminder of symptoms

⚠️ It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as serious illness can take place quickly.

If you, your child, or a loved one, become unwell please contact your GP or 111 ☎️

18/03/2026

Allied Health Professionals are making a real difference across Wales every single day.

From prevention and early intervention to recovery and rehabilitation, AHPs offer expertise, compassion and leadership in every care setting.

HEIW continues to work closely with AHPs and partners to strengthen capability, visibility and strategic direction across Wales. Through the AHP Workforce Development Plan, we’re building strong foundations that are already improving the quality and consistency of care.

We’ve seen significant growth in compassionate leadership, greater collaboration across regions, and new resources that help highlight the vital role AHPs play.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on future focused career pathways, new workforce models and strengthening how AHP capability is deployed to support sustainable, person centred care.

Learn more about AHPs in Wales: https://heiw.nhs.wales/updates/news/shaping-the-future-together-allied-health-professionals-ahps-making-a-difference-across-wales/
Contact the team: HEIW.AHP@wales.nhs.uk
Sign up to the AHP newsletter: https://heiw-wf.tractivity.co.uk/ExternalFormViewer/Form.aspx?ExternalFormID=7

17/03/2026

SAS clinicians in Wales: resources, guidance and professional development.

You can access additional funding to support professional development, from postgraduate qualifications and specialist courses to leadership training and service improvement initiatives.

There’s also guidance and peer support for the Portfolio Pathway (formerly CESR), helping you take the next step towards specialist registration.

Discover the full range of opportunities and support available here:
https://heiw.nhs.wales/education-and-training/sas-doctors/

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Betsi Cadwaladr Hywel Dda Health Board Bwrdd Iechyd Addysgu Powys / Powys Teaching Health Board Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Swansea Bay NHS

17/03/2026

Great news for healthcare in Wales!

For the first time, newly qualified pharmacists in Wales are joining the workforce as Independent Prescribers from their very first day. This means they can assess patients, make clinical decisions and prescribe treatment straight away, helping people get quicker, easier access to care in community pharmacies and primary care.

This milestone follows years of work between HEIW, universities, employers and partners to modernise pharmacy training so pharmacists develop these skills throughout their degree and Foundation Training Year.

Rhys Thomas, current HEIW Foundation Trainee Pharmacist, said: “Being able to prescribe from the start of my career means I can develop my clinical knowledge and do all that I can to help my patients. It’s an exciting time to be joining the profession in Wales, and I look forward to being a helpful member of the wider healthcare team for many years to come.”

We’re proud of everyone involved and look forward to seeing the positive impact for patients and communities across Wales.

To read the full story click here https://heiw.nhs.wales/updates/news/a-new-era-for-pharmacy-in-wales-as-first-pharmacists-qualify-as-independent-prescribers-from-day-one/