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Who are the AHPs

In Wales, there are 13 professions that make up Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).

AHPs are NHS Wales' third largest professional workforce. They work together to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and support services to improve people's physical, mental, and social well-being. They can work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team and work across various health and social care environments. These can include hospitals, community clinics, GP practices, people’s homes, and private enterprises.

They deliver strong, practical, solution-focused, and life-affirming outcomes through a unique range of bio, psycho, and evidence-based social interventions. AHPs are essential in ensuring patients receive comprehensive and personalised care.

They help individuals to:

  • return to meaningful activities (hobbies or interests) that enhance their quality of life after a period of ill health
  • maintain their independence for as along as possible
  • remain in work or return to work after a period of ill health
  • prevent unavoidable hospital admissions
  • speed up discharge from the hospital
  • reduce the need for long-term health and care services.

Find out about each AHP profession below. To add your job profile please register through our survey.

 
 

 

Hear why people love being an AHP

 

 

 

 

Regulation

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) regulates AHPs in Wales, among other professions. They ensure that AHPs meet high standards of practice and continue to develop professionally, safeguarding the quality of care provided to the public.

Find out more about the legislation that governs AHPs in Wales.

 

The future of AHPs

The demand for AHPs in growing. They are expected to play an increasingly important role in NHS Wales. Their numbers of set to rise in the next ten years, with AHP interventions reducing the need to use long-term healthcare services.

Technology is expected to enhance AHP interventions in a number of ways, such as 3D printing, virtual reality (VR) headsets, virtual appointments, and artificial intelligence (AI).

With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and patient-centred care, AHPs will continue to be essential in shaping the future of healthcare. 

Learn more about this.

 

Get involved

If you're a student or career-changer and are passionate about making a difference in healthcare, consider becoming an AHP.