Written question WQ89079

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is responsible for the annual education and training commissioning process in Wales, to address workforce requirements on behalf of NHS Wales. There are currently 27 podiatrists training places available across Wales, this has increased by 12.5% in the last five years (from 24 in 2018) to match service demand.

The Royal College of Podiatrists recently published a Workforce and Education Review Programme. One of the areas of the report is how to support students in practice-based learning, to keep and support them to transfer into a qualified workforce. HEIW are also currently undertaking a piece of work to increase high quality practice-based learning.

Access to Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), including podiatrists, in primary care continues to be progressed through the Strategic Programme for Primary Care. In January, I announced £5m to create additional AHP posts to increase access to community-based care to help people remain active and independent. This supports our Programme for Government commitments in primary and community care, including improving access to health professionals and bringing a wider workforce together in a reformed primary care system.

HEIW will continue to engage with NHS health boards, trusts, and wider stakeholder groups to inform the Education and Training plan for 2024/25. Ultimately it is HEIW’s responsibility to produce a plan that is deliverable within the context of the education and training capacity available.