In the Senedd on Wednesday (25/06/2025), James Evans MS, along with Mabon ap Gwynfor and Jane Dodds MS, led a Member debate on the crucial role that allied health professionals play in maintaining a healthy population, allowing people to be socially and economically active. The debate gave opportunity for Members to express concerns over the workforce shortages, the aging profile of the workforce and the growing population’s need to access AHP support. The Members called on the Welsh Labour Government to develop a long term workforce strategy, increase student placements and increase routes to qualifications in Wales in order to meet growing demand.
James Evans MS said:
“Allied Health Professionals constitute the third-largest clinical workforce in NHS Wales—comprising around 25% of our NHS staff—and include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, paramedics, speech and language therapists, radiographers, and others. They do more than treat illness. Their role in diagnosing, preventing, rehabilitating, and maintaining independence helps reduce hospital admissions, shortens stays, eases pressure on GPs and A&E, and enables people to stay active in their communities and workplaces . In short, they protect public health and support our economy and have an indispensable role.
“But this workforce is under strain. With low staffing levels and a significant portion of the workforce approaching retirement - podiatry, for example, has over 55% of its staff aged 50 or older in Wales -unless we aggressively recruit new entrants, we head towards a service cliff-edge. Compounding this is rising demand. That is why today we are calling on the Welsh Labour Government to introduce and resource a long term AHP workforce strategy, expand student placements and broaden qualification routes through flexible apprenticeships and academic routes.
“I am proud to have co-submitted this motion and I urge all Members to support it today, to deliver recognition, protection, and opportunity for Allied Health Professionals—and with them, for the health of our nation."
