Ffion Jones

During summer 2025 HEIW welcomed students for an 8-week internship, offering each of them the chance to gain valuable insights into working within the NHS in Wales.

Here, Ffion shares their experience with the Healthcare Science team at HEIW.

Name: Ffion Jones
Studying: Medical Sciences with a Professional Training Year
University: University of Exeter
Internship with: Healthcare Science Team

My Overall Experience

Hello! I’m Ffion, a Medical Science student at the University of Exeter. During my time at university, I developed a strong interest in how technology is shaping the future of healthcare. My dissertation and several projects focused on the use of artificial intelligence in research and innovation, exploring how digital tools can improve patient outcomes and streamline NHS services. I also completed a placement year with Swansea University and Singleton Hospital, where I was involved in research on oesophageal cancer. This hands-on experience not only enhanced my academic learning but also deepened my appreciation for the vital work carried out within the NHS.

This opportunity has been invaluable, offering me a comprehensive insight into the diverse teams within the organisation, helping me pinpoint exactly where my true passions lie. I have been pleasantly surprised by the supportive and compassionate culture present at HEIW, which has greatly contributed to my professional growth and development. I highly encourage anyone considering the internship scheme to apply, as it has been an extremely enriching and rewarding experience.

Project Summary

I feel incredibly grateful to have been welcomed so warmly into the Healthcare Science Team, where my project has focused on developing a careers framework - with a particular emphasis on leadership progression. My work has centred around identifying clear pathways for healthcare science professionals, for example looking at how someone in a Band 4 role can progress into a Band 5 position.

As part of this project, I’ve been gathering and curating a wide range of development resources - including recommended tools, courses, books, and webinars - and bringing them together into a single, accessible careers framework campaign document. Alongside this, I’ve also been working to refresh and enhance the leadership section of the Gwella Hub portal to ensure the information is clear, inspiring, and practical for those looking to take the next step in their careers.

In the Beginning

To begin, I carried out in-depth research into the Health Boards, Trusts and relevant professional bodies to understand what leadership development opportunities currently exist. This helped me map out the support available and identify any gaps. Gaining this background knowledge was essential in shaping a meaningful and informed contribution to the project.

Next Steps

Building on the progress so far, the team hopes to finalise and publish the careers framework documents, offering clear guidance for those looking to develop their leadership skills within healthcare science. We’re also aiming to redevelop the leadership portal on the Gwella Hub, incorporating all the additional resources and information we’ve gathered to make it more user-friendly and comprehensive.

In September, I will be starting The NHS Wales General Management Graduate Programme. This is a two-year, work-based programme designed for aspiring leaders in NHS Wales. It provides a structured pathway to develop the skills and knowledge needed for a career in healthcare management. I am very excited to start!

Beyond Work and University

I’m really passionate about fitness - I love running, CrossFit, Hyrox and spend most of my money on competitions and gym gear! I’m very active and enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog. I also love discovering new places to eat and trying out different food spots whenever I can.