Professor Vicki Heath, Chief Healthcare Scientific Officer for Wales
Challenges and Opportunities for Respiratory Physiology in Wales Role
Professor Vicki Heath opened the session by outlining her professional background as a clinical scientist and describing her current role as Chief Healthcare Scientific Officer for Wales. She emphasised her strong personal commitment to healthcare science, quality, and professional advocacy, drawing on extensive experience within the NHS. Although her role is not supported by additional funding, it represents the first time NHS Wales has established a dedicated senior leadership position for clinical science, marking a significant milestone for the profession. Professor Heath highlighted the importance of this role as a clear demonstration of formal recognition of healthcare science as a profession within NHS Wales. The establishment of the post was presented as progress toward greater strategic influence, improved visibility of clinical scientists, and stronger integration of scientific expertise into healthcare decision-making. She noted that this recognition brings long-term benefits for workforce morale, professional identity, and the quality of patient care, even in the absence of immediate financial investment.
The session also addressed the current political and structural context in Wales, particularly the impact of Senedd reform and the upcoming elections. Professor Heath explained that periods of political reform typically limit new policy development and place constraints on budgets, as organisations operate under pre-election restrictions and financial caution. This environment can temporarily slow innovation and service development, presenting challenges for healthcare science advancement in the short term.
A highlighted characteristic was that of impostor syndrome within clinical science, which Professor Heath described as a common and persistent issue affecting confidence, career progression, and professional visibility. She emphasised the importance of acknowledging this challenge openly and supporting scientists to recognise their expertise and value within multidisciplinary teams.
Professor Heath also stressed the critical role of effective communication, both within healthcare systems and with wider public audiences. The discussion highlighted the need for scientists to actively engage with diverse groups and tailor messages appropriately. She referenced research indicating that science engagement and research visibility often disproportionately reach middle-class, White audiences, limiting inclusivity and broader societal impact. (This research reference was sourced after the event and aligns with established findings in science communication literature, which demonstrate persistent demographic inequalities in public engagement with science (Wilkinson, Bultitude & Dawson, 2011)).
The session further explored the importance of early engagement, noting that children form associations with science from as young as five years old, at which point stereotypes around who “belongs” in science can begin to develop. This reinforced the need for inclusive, accessible communication strategies and outreach activities that challenge stereotypes early and promote diversity within the future scientific workforce.
Feedback and Key Takeaways
Professor Heath delivered a reflective and impactful session that combined strategic insight with personal authenticity. The presentation effectively highlighted both the progress made in recognising healthcare science in Wales and the systemic and cultural challenges that remain. Attendees particularly valued the honest discussion of impostor syndrome, the emphasis on communication skills, and the broader societal context influencing science engagement. The session reinforced the importance of leadership, advocacy, and inclusive communication in strengthening the future of healthcare science.
Dr Sarah Bant Session, Associate Director, Healthcare Science Workforce Transformation
HEIW Careers Framework and Workforce Development Role
Dr Sarah Bant presented an update on the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) Careers Framework, with a particular focus on Respiratory and Sleep Science and broader workforce development initiatives. She explained that the careers framework is part of a 10-year strategic plan, now in year 7, with progress made across all planned objectives, indicating active development and implementation toward long-term goals.
Dr Bant highlighted that all career pathways within the framework are now recognised and funded via HEIW, reflecting a comprehensive approach to supporting healthcare science professions from entry to advanced levels. This includes formal recognition of career routes, training programmes, and funding across the discipline spectrum, ensuring equitable and supported progression for staff within NHS Wales.
An important area of focus was the Physiological Sciences pathways, which include Respiratory & Sleep Science roles such as those on the PTP and other structured professional routes. The PTP was described as particularly exciting, with increasing numbers of trainees entering the system year on year. This approach aims to strengthen graduate retention in Wales by encouraging healthcare science graduates to enter structured NHS training roles rather than moving directly into external programmes such as Scientist Training Programme without clinical experience.
Dr Bant also noted upcoming work for 2025–2026 focused on the sleep and respiratory scope of practice, including Clinical Consultant Scientist (CCS) roles and Healthcare Science Scientist (HSS) registration pathways. This signifies proactive efforts to define and support advanced practice and professional registration in key clinical science areas, ensuring clear progression and high standards of practice.
For reference, the HEIW NHS Wales Healthcare Science Career Framework (which includes roles and pathways such as respiratory and sleep science) can be viewed on the official HEIW website: https://heiw.nhs.wales/our-work/healthcare-science-cymru/development-for-healthcare-science-professionals/
Feedback and Key Takeaways
Dr Bant delivered a strategic and detailed overview of the HEIW careers framework, providing valuable clarity on progress within a long-term workforce plan. Attendees appreciated insights into the recognition and funding of career pathways, particularly around respiratory and sleep science, and the emphasis on structured training programmes as a mechanism to retain talent in Wales. The session reinforced how systematic career development supports workforce sustainability and strengthens professional identity across healthcare science. The update on planned work for the sleep and respiratory scope of practice in 2025–26 was particularly motivating, signalling ongoing growth and professionalisation within the field.
Both sessions were engaging and generated lively discussion, offering a clear and aligned perspective on the current state and future direction of healthcare science in Wales. Key messages highlighted a sustained period of growth in professional recognition, leadership, and workforce development, underpinned by the establishment of senior clinical science leadership roles and the continued delivery of the HEIW careers framework. Importantly, this progress has only been made possible through strong collaboration and shared input from multiple organisations. A central takeaway was that continued progression and long-term success will depend on maintaining and strengthening collaborative working between HEIW, NHS Wales, ARTP, CPSC, and other key stakeholders, ensuring collective ownership of future development and sustainability.