HEIW appoints new Executive Director of Nursing, Health Professions and Quality

Published 14/03/2026

HEIW has appointed Dr Sam Donohue, as the new Executive Director of Nursing, Health Professions and Quality.

As Executive Director, Dr Donohue will play a central role in transforming how NHS Wales develops the current and future workforce to continue to meet the needs of patients and communities across Wales. With a particular focus on nursing, midwifery, allied health professions and healthcare science, Sam will work with other professional leads, regulators and professional bodies to embed multi professional working, sustainable workforce models and flexible career pathways.

As Executive lead for the Duty of Quality, Dr Donohue will play a key role in ensuring that HEIW is responding to safety and quality challenges across the health and care system, placing learner feedback and workforce wellbeing at the heart of our plans.

Dr Donohue joins HEIW with extensive experience as a senior nurse leader in professional regulation, national policy, workforce development, and clinical leadership.

She most recently served as Interim Executive Director at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, with responsibility for education quality assurance, safeguarding, and key professional programmes, working closely with UK Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers and system regulators.

Welcoming Dr Donohue to HEIW, Alex Howells, Chief Executive said: “I am pleased to welcome Dr Sam Donohue to HEIW as our new Director of Nursing, Health Professions and Quality. This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the NHS Wales workforce system.  

“Sam brings significant experience of leading national programmes and shaping professional policy across the UK. Her expertise in workforce transformation, education quality and professional regulation will be instrumental as we continue to work with partners to address workforce challenges and support the delivery of high-quality care across NHS Wales.”

Dr Donohue takes over the reins following the retirement of Lisa Llewelyn after an incredible 48 years in the NHS.