08:00 AM
09:00 AM
Registration, Networking and Exhibition
09:00 AM
10:00 AM
Gwyn Tudor, MediWales, CEO
Rob Reid, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, Deputy Director for Innovative Devices
09:00 AM
10:00 AM
Auditorium
Panel Discussion: QuicDNA Max - Integrating Liquid Biopsy into Cancer Diagnostic Pathways
Minimally invasive, quick and cost-effective, liquid biopsy is proving to have numerous benefits over traditional tissue biopsies following trials in England and Wales. This panel includes clinicians, industry partners and patients who will discuss the work ongoing in Wales.
Chair
Sian Morgan, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Consultant Clinical Scientist
Richard Adams, Cardiff University and Velindre Cancer Centre, Professor and Consultant Clinical Oncologist
Dr Magda Meissner, Velindre Cancer Centre, Medical Oncologist
Lee Welch, AstraZeneca UK, Diagnostic Lead
Lewis Egal, Amgen, Healthcare Solutions Manager | Wales
Craig Maxwell, Patient Representative
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Wallis
Restore Information Management: The Big Communication Challenge - Driving Better Patient Outcomes Across Welsh Health Boards
Effective communication lies at the heart of safe, high-quality patient care, yet across the NHS it remains one of the most complex and evolving challenges. This workshop will explore the key barriers and opportunities shaping communication in today's healthcare landscape, including the impact of digital transformation, interoperability, and accessibility on how services connect and share information. It will also address critical issues such as digital poverty and sustainability, and how these influence patient engagement and service delivery.
Suzanne Dawtrey, Restore Information Management, National Sales Manager Public Sector
Tori Wood, Restore Information Management, Business Development Manager
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Aylward
NHS Wales National Innovation Leadership Team
All of the health and social care organisations in Wales have a designated Innovation Lead to drive projects, evaluation and collaboration within their organisation. This workshop will offer an opportunity to meet the Innovation Leads and to learn more about their work. You can learn more about the Innovation Leads here: hsciw.wales
Chair
Siôn Charles, South West Wales Regional Joint Committee, Head of Strategy and Service Planning
Tom James, Welsh Government, Head of Innovation Strategy and Policy, Life Sciences and Innovation Division
Lynne Grundy, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Associate Director for Research & Development
Rachael Powell, Digital Health and Care Wales, Associate Director of Information, Intelligence & Research
Mark Briggs, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Assistant Director for Innovation
Nigel Rees, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Assistant Director of Research & Innovation
Jennet Holmes, Velindre University NHS Trust, Head of Innovation
Lee Morgan, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, Deputy Head of Operational Procurement
Dr. Tom Howson, Bevan Commission, Innovation Lead
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Auditorium A
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board: From Evidence to Adoption - Developing an Embolisation Pilot for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
This session explores Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s approach to innovation adoption through a proposed embolisation pilot for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). Dale Evans will outline the Health Board’s innovation adoption process. Dr Nimit Goyal will present the clinical evidence, learning from a previous knee embolisation pilot, and the proposed GTPS model. Dan Harding will describe the patient cohort, unmet need and pathway challenges. Tristan Harris will explain the financial due diligence, pathway cost analysis and value assessment undertaken to evaluate affordability, potential return on investment and support evidence-based investment decisions.
Dale Evans, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Head of Business Development for Innovation and Value-Based Healthcare
Dr Nimit Goyal, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Consultant Interventional Radiologist and Clinical Lead for Gwent Interventional Radiology
Tristan Harris, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Interim Head of Financial Strategy
Dan Harding, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Rob Holcombe, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Executive Director for Finance, Procurement and Value, and Executive Lead for Innovation
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
Wilberforce
CEDAR and the Welsh Value in Health Centre: Putting value based healthcare into practice - supporting the shift towards value based service transformation in NHS Wales
This joint session with colleagues from CEDAR (Centre for Healthcare Evaluation, Device Assessment and Research) and the Welsh Value in Health Centre will explore how Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) is being translated from policy into practice across NHS Wales. As health systems face increasing pressure to deliver better outcomes with finite resources, VBHC offers a structured approach to involving patients and improving patient outcomes while optimising resource use. This session will showcase practical approaches, and real-world examples that support value-based service transformation. Speakers will highlight applied projects to demonstrate how value can be robustly assessed and evidenced. Insights will include how outcome measures such as Patient Reported Outcome Measures, economic evaluation, social return on investment (SROI), and qualitative and quantitative evidence can be combined to inform decision-making and drive meaningful, sustainable change. Attendees will gain an understanding of how organisations can embed VBHC into service redesign, evaluation, and strategic planning. The session will be particularly relevant for those involved in innovation, evaluation, and transformation, offering actionable learning to support the continued evolution of healthcare in Wales.
Chair
Dr Rob Letchford, NHS Wales, Consultant Physiotherapist, Clinical Lead for Value Based Health Care
Kathleen Withers, CEDAR, Director
Dr Huey Yi Chong, CEDAR, Cardiff and vale University Health Board, Health Economist
Megan Dale, CEDAR, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Principal Health Economist
The 'retro-innovative', Value-Based Health Care approach to developing a whole-system malnutrition strategy
Emma Catling,
Hywel Dda University Health Board,
Malnutrition Strategic Lead
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
Muller
Refreshment Break
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
Wallis
Population Health and Prevention
Shifting towards proactive, preventative models of care that address physical and mental health needs, reduce inequalities, and improve long-term outcomes. This session highlights the importance of early intervention and data-driven population health management.
Chair
Dr Mark Griffiths, Public Health Wales, Programme Lead for Innovation
Prioritising prevention at every point: mobilising pathways, services and systems smoking cessation to stop smoking harms
Chris Emmerson,
Public Health Wales,
Consultant in Public Health
Connecting Realities and the Wellspring
Sarah Beauclerk,
Vere Experiences CIC,
Director
Beyond Treatment: Integrating Prevention and Wellbeing into Modern Medicine
Dr Manmeet Kaur,
CEO, Unity in Health Cymru CIC,
GP Partner, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
Aylward
Clinical Innovation Showcase
Showcasing clinical innovations which are transforming health and social care across Wales.
Chair
Mark Briggs, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Assistant Director for Innovation
Enabling Faster Decisions and Expediting Care Delivery in the A&E with Point-of-Care Testing
Dr. Essam Ibraham,
Abbott Point-of-Care,
Medical Director EMEA
The All Wales Community HealthPathways Programme: Enabling national collaboration to deliver more consistent, prudent, and sustainable care
Mathew Mead,
Yma,
Programme Manager
Mark Girvan, Streamliners, Director of Operations
Strategic Clinical Network for Respiratory Conditions: Community Breathlessness Pathway Redesign
Dr Anthony Gibson,
NHS Wales Performance & Improvement,
Medical Director
Connecting the dots for rare diseases: developments from the Congenital Anomaly Register and Information Service
Dr Robert Maddison-Jarvis,
Public Health Wales,
Public Health Researcher
Why does public engagement and communication with patients matter?
Dr Mohammad Alhadj Ali,
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board,
Consultant Physician
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
Auditorium A
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board: Transforming Care Through Patient-Centred Innovation
Discover a groundbreaking stroke technology for upper-limb rehab, presented by BCUHB Consultant Stroke Therapist Dr Sushmita Mohapatra, who co-developed it alongside academic and industry partners. Experience the pulse of research and innovation at BCUHB through a compelling video diary from our clinicians. We'll also spotlight our "Health +" collaboration with M-Sparc, featuring a pioneering company showcasing their latest advancements in social care. This is your front-row seat to the future of patient care, driven by research, collaboration and real-world impact.
Chair
Lynne Grundy, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Associate Director for Research & Development
Sushmita Mohapatra, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Stroke Consultant Therapist
Dr Sanjeet Kour, NHS Wales, Speciality Trainee Psychiatrist
Marie Latham-Jones, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Researcher Development Support Manager
Steff Thomas, Bangor University, Senior Lecturer
Mark Childs, Healthcare Matters, Smart Assistive Technology Unit Business Manager
Adam Spiby, Healthcare Matters, Managing Director
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
Auditorium B
Innovation in Action: How the Swansea University Intensive Learning Academy (ILA) turn real-world challenges into impact
Discover how practice-based education can create meaningful, real‑world impact. This engaging workshop highlights the work of the All - Wales Intensive Learning Academy (ILA) for Innovation in Health & Social Care at Swansea University, where authentic challenges are transformed into practical, forward‑thinking solutions. The session will explore how intensive, challenge‑led learning enables students to collaborate across disciplines, work with external partners, and apply research in real‑world contexts. A key highlight of the workshop will be contributions from ILA alumni, who will share their personal journeys and demonstrate the tangible impact of their research beyond the University, showcasing how their projects have influenced industry, communities, and policy. Attendees will gain insight into innovative teaching and learning models, hear first‑hand accounts of research‑driven impact, and learn how immersive education can build skills, confidence, and innovative mindsets. Ideal for educators, students, alumni, and industry partners, join us to see how ideas move from the classroom into the real world, and how innovation truly comes to life.
Dr Daniel Rees, Swansea University, Director of All-Wales Intensive Learning Academies for Innovation in Health and Social Care
Professor Roderick Thomas, Swansea University, Director of All-Wales Intensive Learning Academies for Innovation in Health and Social Care
Llŷr Lloyd, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Senior Principal Public Health Practitioner
Katie Stapleton, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Locality Manager Cwm Taf West
12:30 PM
01:30 PM
Wallis
Restore Information Management: The Art of Better Healthcare
This interactive workshop takes a practical, hands-on approach to exploring communication challenges across Welsh healthcare systems. Through real-world perspectives and collaborative discussion, attendees will examine the key barriers to effective communication and gain a clearer understanding of how these issues impact patient care. The session will focus on identifying actionable approaches to building more connected, inclusive, and resilient patient pathways, empowering NHS professionals to drive meaningful improvements in communication across their organisations.
Suzanne Dawtrey, Restore Information Management, National Sales Manager Public Sector
Tori Wood, Restore Information Management, Business Development Manager
12:30 PM
01:30 PM
Aylward
HealthTech Showcase
A dedicated session focussing on the latest digital and AI innovations to impact on health and care.
Chair
Tom James, Welsh Government, Head of Innovation Strategy and Policy, Life Sciences and Innovation Division
The silent channel: why voice is the biggest gap in your digital front door
Dave Mills,
THINK healthcare,
Head of healthcare
CareVanta: Turning Care Pathways into Evidence, Value and Commercial Adoption
Victoria Wilbraham,
CareVanta,
Founder and CEO
Imspex Diagnostics: Support NextGen Genomics Testing in NHS Wales
John McKinley,
Imspex Diagnostics,
CEO
From Centralised Diagnostics to Intelligent Point-of-Need Molecular Testing
Huma Irfan,
Molomix Bioscience,
Lead Researcher and Geneticist
Project "Dragon's Heart": a medical drone delivery network for Wales
Jeremy Howitt,
Snowdonia Aerospace Centre,
Technical Director
12:30 PM
01:30 PM
Auditorium A
Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust: Emergency and Urgent Care Research
This session will showcase the emergency and urgent care research and innovation currently taking place within the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust (WAST). This includes presentations on communication and decision making in Critical Care Dispatch, Pre-Hospital Point of Care Testing, 111 Call Prioritisation and prehospital detection of ischaemic stroke.
Chair
Nigel Rees, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Assistant Director of Research & Innovation
Appropriateness of NHS 111 Wales outcomes - using the Call Prioristisation Streaming System: a RAND/UCLA modified Delphi method
Rhiannon Roynon,
Welsh Ambulance Service University NHS Trust,
Specialist Clinical Lead
Emergency Dispatch Decisions using Video Consultation (999RESPOND2 Research Study)
Jo Angouri,
University of Warwick,
Professor, Applied Linguistics,
Dr Shawnea S. P. Ting, University of Warwick, Healthcare Researcher, Sociolinguist, Interaction Scientist
Lyba Nadeem, University of Warwick, Research Assistant
Pre-hospital biomarker and phone call-based detection for ischaemic stroke thrombectomy (PRONTO research study)
Josh Miller,
Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust,
Head of Research and Innovation
Respiratory POCT Service Evaluation
Carly Smith,
Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust,
Advanced Paramedic Practitioner
12:30 PM
01:30 PM
Auditorium B
Dragon's Heart Institute: The Relational Science of Spread and Scale
Why do some improvements ripple across systems while others stall, no matter how strong the evidence? This session explores the relational science of spread and scale: the often-invisible work of trust, story, network and identity that determines whether change takes hold. Drawing on practice from the Dragon's Heart Institute, the Billions Institute, and large-scale change efforts across NHS Wales, we will share what the research, and the field, are teaching us about scaling improvement through people rather than process alone. Expect frameworks you can use on Monday morning, examples from real programmes supported by Wales' Intensive Learning Academies over the last five years, and an honest look at what gets in the way.
Bryn Kentish, Dragon’s Heart Institute, Cardiff and Vale UHB, Programme Manager
Abbey Griffiths, Dragon's Heart Institute, Climb Programme Manager
01:30 PM
02:30 PM
Muller
Lunch, Exhibition and Networking
02:30 PM
03:30 PM
Isabel Oliver, Welsh Government, Chief Medical Officer for Wales
Gareth Cross, Health and Care Research Wales, Deputy Director of Science, Research and Evidence
02:30 PM
03:30 PM
Auditorium
Panel Discussion: AI in Healthcare - Integration, Trust and Impact
Wales has a real opportunity to lead in the practical adoption of AI in healthcare - not by competing with global technology giants, but by demonstrating how AI can be implemented safely, collaboratively and effectively within a connected health and care system. The future success of AI in healthcare will depend less on the technology itself and more on trust, evidence, integration and partnership. Wales already has many of the foundations needed: a collaborative NHS, strong research capability, an active innovation ecosystem and close links between health, industry and government. The key challenge now is ensuring AI delivers measurable benefits for patients, supports the workforce, improves efficiency and reduces inequalities, while remaining clinically led and ethically grounded.
Chair
Huw Shurmer, AXREM, Chair
Dr Prabs Arumugam, Amazon Web Services, Clinical Innovation Lead, UK Healthcare, Worldwide Public Sector
Graham King, AXREM, Convenor, AI Special Focus Group
Dr Ramdas Senasi, Fujifilm Healthcare UK, Clinical Lead
Gareth John, Digital Health and Care Wales, Chief Data Scientist
03:30 PM
04:30 PM
Auditorium A
A Partnership for Population to Pathway to Progress in Prevention of CVD
In this session we will describe the creation of a clinical-academic-industry partnership to evaluate and Innovate to improve Cardiovascular Disease prevention in patients with and at high risk of atheroscerotic cardiovascular disease. The partnership was led by Swansea University, together with Hywel Dda UHB, Swansea Bay UHB and Amgen Inc. We will describe the West Wales clinical academic ecosystem which permits evaluation of population level healthcare outcomes using anonymised clinical data from the SAIL databank together with development and evaluation of innovative care pathways embedded within the NHS clinical research infrastructure and how these resources can be applied to address problems which are of complementary importance and interest to the NHS and Industry partners. We will illustrate the potential of this infrastructure by describing our partnership programme in which we evaluated effectiveness of Lipid and Blood pressure management in routine practice in Wales (SAIL data) and the results of an innovative care pathway to optimise lipid and blood pressure levels in high cardiovascular risk patients with uncontrolled LDL-cholesterol and/or Hypertension.
Chair
Julian Halcox, Swansea Bay University Health Board and Swansea University, Consultant Cardiologist and Chair of Cardiology
The West Wales Research and Care Ecosystem for Data Driven Clinical Innovation
Matthew Lawrence,
The Cardiovascular Disease Prevention "Gap" in High Cardiovascular Risk Patients in Wales
Julian Halcox,
Swansea Bay University Health Board and Swansea University,
Consultant Cardiologist and Chair of Cardiology
Development, Delivery and Requirements for Wider Rollout of an Innovative Care Pathway for Patients with High Residual Cardiovascular Risk
Daniel Harris,
Tritech Institute, Hywel Dda University Health Board,
Clinical Academic Pharmacist and Cardiac Services Pharmacist
An International Pharmaceutical Industry Perspective on Partnership Working in Wales
Lewis Egal,
Amgen,
Healthcare Solutions Manager | Wales
03:30 PM
04:30 PM
Wallis
Health and Care Research Wales - Wales: Built for Research - From investment to impact in commercial research
Wales is positioning itself as a destination for commercial research, with the connected infrastructure, expertise and partnerships needed to reliably deliver industry-sponsored trials. This session will explore how investment from the UK's Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) is being used to strengthen commercial research in Wales. Speakers will outline the strategic importance of commercial research, share real-world examples of how VPAG funding has expanded infrastructure capacity to support faster and more efficient trial delivery, and highlight the importance of partnership working between the NHS and industry.
Gareth Hopkin, Health and Care Reseach Wales, Head of Commercial Research Delivery Wales
Jenna Davies, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Commercial Research Team Lead
Sian Morgan, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Consultant Clinical Scientist
Lydia Vitolo, Health and Care Research Wales, Senior Industry Manager
03:30 PM
04:30 PM
Aylward
Cardiff Health Partners: Bringing our vision into being
Cardiff Health Partners is a once in a generation opportunity to work collaboratively across the capital, region and nation to catalyse system wide benefits and deliver long lasting health improvements for the patients and people that we serve. Founded by Cardiff University, Cardiff & Vale UHB and Velindre UNHST, this transformational approach aligns discovery science, clinical care, education, and industry partnerships to accelerate innovation into practice, improve health equity, and drive inclusive economic growth and regeneration. Attend our session to hear more about Cardiff Health Partners, the first academic health partnership in Wales, and help us bring our vision into being.
Rachel Savery, Cardiff Health Partners, Interim Managing Director
Zoe Hilton, Cardiff Health Partners, Programmes Manager