Transforming the theatre workforce in NHS Wales

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is proud to support the transformation of the theatre workforce across NHS Wales.

The Theatre Transformation Project supports HEIW’s commitment to developing effective workforce solutions and aligns with the Welsh Government’s Planned Care Recovery Plan. By creating clear education and training pathways, developing strong leadership, and promoting a compassionate and inclusive workplace culture, the project is helping to build a more skilled and supported theatre workforce. In empowering theatre staff, HEIW is helping to ensure that patients receive safe, efficient, and timely peri-operative care.

HEIW has engaged with all health boards and trusts and is working closely with national partners to co-create sustainable, future-proof solutions. A key focus is on enhancing training and development opportunities that support staff growth and resilience.

To support this, HEIW is funding a range of clinical and leadership programmes across Wales, including the Professional Advocate Programme run by Swansea University. The course equips staff to support one another through Restorative Supervision which provides a safe space to reflect, build confidence, and strengthen resilience.

Robin Clark, Peri-operative Care Practice Educator in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board completed the programme and said:

“The Professional Advocate course highlighted the importance for staff to be able to access Restorative Supervision and to be provided with a ‘safe space’ for thinking. Attending this course, demonstrated to me how much I needed Restorative Supervision and as a result of this course, I have more confidence in myself as a Practice Educator. For staff to care for their patients, they first need to care for themselves.”

By embedding this programme into the project, HEIW aims to foster confident, compassionate leaders who can support themselves and their teams as well as patients.

The primary aim of the theatre transformation project is to develop an optimised, multi-professional workforce capable of delivering efficient and effective perioperative care; ultimately leading to shorter waiting times and better patient outcomes.

Before the project launched in 2024, theatre use across Wales averaged 70%, with workforce shortages placing growing pressure on services. And since the project began, great progress has been made.

Delna Davis, Theatres Transformation Lead at HEIW, said:

“This national project is a vital step toward strengthening the peri-operative theatre workforce across Wales. By identifying what is working and where improvements are needed, we are creating clearer career pathways for all roles, expanding learning beyond registration, and supporting staff at all levels with leadership development. We are also improving workforce data to enable smarter planning, sharing flexible workforce models and good practice, and exploring long-term education solutions such as a potential ‘Once for Wales’ Peri-Operative Academy to ensure consistent, high-quality training across the country.”

To learn more about this work please contact HEIW's Theatres Transformation Team. 

Improving supervision skills
Did you know, HEIW offers supervision guidance through the Supervision Hub. The Hub supports personal development, staff wellbeing and better care outcomes. It brings together practical tools, guidance, and resources, all in one accessible place. It is a great resource for theatre staff and all NHS Wales staff.