HEIW Highlights 29 August 2025
Published 29 August 2025
❓ Interested in what we do ❓
As the strategic workforce body for NHS Wales, one of our key responsibilities is to support workforce transformation and improvement across various health professions in NHS Wales.
HEIW CEO, Alex Howells explains more about our functions and strategic priorities in our Integrated Medium Term Plan (IMTP) video: 🔗 HEIW Integrated Medium-Term Plan (IMTP) for 2025-2028
Here are some of the ways we have recently been supporting NHS Wales:
➡️ We are strengthening optometry in Wales. Independent Prescribing (IP) Optometrists across Wales are gaining vital, hands-on experience in community-based Advanced Training Practices (ATPs). Interested in getting involved? Contact: 📧 HEIW.optometryATP@wales.nhs.uk
➡️ Healthcare professionals across Wales can now access updated e-learning modules to better support families during the perinatal period.
This work supports our commitment to delivering high-quality education and training, and forms part of the Strategic Mental Health Workforce Plan, aligning with A Healthier Wales.
Over 500 learners have already engaged with positive feedback!
➡️ Since January 2024, 176 student nurses have completed General Practice Nursing (GPN) placements across Wales. These placements offer hands-on experience and an insight into working in primary care.
Read more about her inspiring journey and the impact of GPN placements: 🔗 Increased numbers of nursing students gaining valuable primary care experience - HEIW
➡️ We’re celebrating - for the first time in 30 years, nursing students have trained in central north Wales.
🔗 HEIW celebrates milestone in expanding access to nurse training in North Wales - HEIW
Following the launch of HEIW’s commissioning contract with Wrexham University in 2022, the first cohort of nurses have graduated. Alongside Bangor University graduates, we’re increasing opportunities to study closer to home, gain placement experience and build nursing careers, serving local communities in North Wales.
A huge congratulations to all our nursing graduates across Wales 👏
➡️ We’ve launched a new Workforce Planning Hub for NHS Wales staff, giving you quick access to tools, training, guidance and workforce information to support your planning activities.
Visit the hub on Sharepoint: 🔗 Workforce Planning Hub - Home
Questions? Contact 📧 HEIW.WorkforcePlanning@wales.nhs.uk
This supports our goal of developing a skilled, confident workforce across NHS Wales, helping deliver better care for the people of Wales.
➡️ Read more updates here: 🔗 News - HEIW