What plans are in place to increase the numbers of cardiac physiologists working in Wales to support quick and effective diagnosis of heart diseases?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on cardiac services and action is being taken to address the shortfall in the cardiac physiology workforce. The current shortage is a UK-wide issue and is not limited to Wales.
Cardiac physiologists are the key professional group that undertake cardiac investigations and are an essential part of the multidisciplinary team that perform procedures.
In September 2021, NHS Wales Chief Executives agreed a national plan for cardiac physiology workforce including a specific requirement to increase the number of cardiac physiologists trained in Wales. Swansea University currently trains approximately 25 students each year. The expanded training requirements will be reflected in health boards’ Integrated Medium Term Plans (IMTPs) to ensure future commissioning numbers are aligned to service need. The submission date for IMTPs is 31 March 2022.