A secondment success story: Brogan Cabraal's impact at HEIW
Brogan Cabraal joined Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) on a secondment in 2023 as the Healthcare Science Clinical Lead for Research and Innovation. As her secondment ends, we want to celebrate her achievements, including launching the Healthcare Science Research Strategy, and highlight her experience at HEIW.
Brogan works in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board as an Advanced Practice Neurophysiologist. This is a specialised and important role, testing the function of the brain and peripheral nerves for patients that attend her clinics. Brogan studied a Masters degree in Clinical Neurophysiology in Practice to further her skills and following graduation, she was looking for the next challenge.
During her studies, Brogan particularly enjoyed the leadership and research modules, so as soon as she saw the HEIW secondment opportunity, she applied right away. Interestingly, Brogan was convinced that her application would be rejected but fortunately, against her expectation, she was successfully offered an interview and subsequently, a secondment position.
Brogan settled into HEIW very well, and quickly became an integral part of the Healthcare Science Team. Amongst many, the key achievements include building new relationships with research experts across Wales and the UK, and creating the Healthcare Science Research and Innovation Strategy and Delivery Plan. This vital work will ensure that healthcare science professions are better able to undertake research and innovation throughout their careers.
Before Brogan finished at HEIW, we asked her some questions:
What have you learnt from the secondment?
“I have learnt so much about the role of other healthcare science professionals and the fantastic contributions to patient-centred research and cutting-edge healthcare innovations going on across our workforce. I hope now to this take the knowledge and skills I've developed and help build upon a research culture within my own healthcare science profession in Neurophysiology.”
What are your thoughts on HEIW as an organisation?
“HEIW do so much more for NHS Wales that I had originally thought before the secondment. Admittedly, I thought the organisation was primarily involved in funding and coordinating healthcare education across Wales. Whilst that is HEIW's remit, there is also so much more happening, tackling issues of workforce, digital capability, sustainability, culture, professional identity and so much more.”
Would you recommend working in HEIW?
“Yes, I have felt very welcomed by everyone in HEIW and have really enjoyed working more nationally and strategically. It's been so useful to see both sides, with one foot in clinical practice, and the other in HEIW, with an opportunity to be part of and lead in national decision making.”
From everyone at HEIW, we’d like to say a big thank you to Brogan and we wish her the very best in her future ventures.
Visit the HEIW website to learn more about our work in healthcare science.