HEIW and Welsh Government deliver impressive conference for Allied Health Professions in Wales

Published: 28/11/2024

On Tuesday 5 November, the Allied Health Profession (AHP) team at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) successfully hosted a collaborative event in partnership with the Welsh Government at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The conference, themed “Moving Forward Together: AHP Innovation to Inspire Future Solutions,” brought together AHPs, AHP professional bodies, support workers, senior leaders, and students to celebrate the impact and future of AHPs in Wales.

The HEIW team proudly welcomed a diverse range of delegates who engaged in insightful discussions about the ongoing evolution of AHP services and their crucial role in shaping healthcare in Wales. Delegates, exhibitors, and speakers attended from across Wales, including all thirteen NHS Wales organisations — health boards, trusts, and special health authorities.

Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in Wales said: “This conference was a platform for discussions about the future of allied health professionals and the important role they play in Wales.

I was pleased to see allied health professionals sharing examples of the transformative work they do and the impact of their specialist skills. They are committed to delivering the highest quality of care and focused on nurturing future leaders and innovators.”

The event’s success was reflected in the strong collaboration fostered and the shared commitment to advancing AHP innovation and improving health outcomes across Wales. Of the feedback received, 95% of respondents rated the event as "good" or "very good," with a 50.5% response rate of attendees.

One attendee commented, “A truly excellent conference which has motivated me to work even harder for our patients and highlighted how proud and grateful I am to call myself an allied health professional.”

Our chairs, Kerrie Phipps and Nicky Thomas, opened the event and welcomed over 300 attendees on the day. The event was jampacked with AHP speakers, innovations, networking, breakout sessions, and poster presentations, where attendees gained applied insights into key AHP challenges, such as health inequalities and sustainability in healthcare delivery throughout the day.

Keynote speakers included Tom Cheesewright, Applied Futurist, and Ruth Crowder, Chief Allied Health Professions Adviser to the Welsh Government, alongside a recorded address by Rt Hon Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales. Tom Cheesewright opened with insights on the intersection of futurism, healthcare, and technologies like AI, highlighting their potential to transform AHP services. Ruth Crowder followed with a focus on future health inequalities, while other speakers explored the evolving role of AHPs, innovation, and their impact on healthcare services across Wales.

Alex Howells, Chief Executive at HEIW commented, “Our AHP conference demonstrated the strength of collaboration in AHP professions across Wales' health and care sectors. By bringing together experts, professionals, and thought leaders, the event highlighted the vital role of AHPs in shaping the future of healthcare. The success of this event is a testament to the dedication of all involved in driving innovation and improving patient outcomes. It sets a strong foundation for continued growth and development within AHP services in Wales.”