Rachel Lewis: My first six months as a Chief Allied Health Professions Information Officer

26 September 2025

Stepping into the role of Chief Allied Health Professions Information Officer has marked a rewarding chapter in my professional journey. My first six months have been both a steep learning curve and a valuable opportunity to champion the voices of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) across the organisation.

Being a Chief Allied Health Professions Information Officer is about connecting people, data, and purpose. It’s not just about ensuring digital transformation is technically robust, it’s about making it clinically meaningful. It’s also about championing AHPs as vital leaders in shaping the future of health and care in Wales.

One of the early challenges has been navigating the complexity of digital systems across NHS Wales and understanding the diverse priorities within the AHP workforce. Looking ahead, building consensus across the 13 professional groups that make up the AHP community will be no small task. However, engaging with AHP leaders across Wales has already proven to be a cornerstone of my approach. By listening closely to frontline staff, I aim to build trust through transparency and shared goals, co-creating a unified vision for digital transformation across the AHP workforce.

What I already find fulfilling in this role is the opportunity to drive meaningful change, not just through technology, but through people. I’m privileged to work alongside passionate AHP leaders, clinicians, clinical informaticians, and digital experts.

This role allows me to influence policy and strategy, ensuring AHPs are not only part of the conversation but are leading it. Contributing to system-wide improvements in digital health and care is both humbling and energising.

Empowering AHPs to embrace digital transformation is deeply satisfying. I’m especially excited about supporting colleagues to develop informatics skills, explore new career pathways, and build confidence in using technology. It’s about unlocking potential and creating space for innovation. Whether it’s improving data quality, streamlining digital workflows, or advocating for AHP representation in national programmes, every initiative feels like a step towards a more inclusive, efficient and person-centred system.

I’m grateful for the warm welcome and collaborative spirit I’ve encountered. These first six months have laid a strong foundation and I’m excited to continue this journey with renewed purpose and passion. Outside of work, I love spending time exploring the beautiful countryside and coastline with my two miniature dachshunds. I also enjoy socialising with friends and leading sessions as a run leader for a local running group. That said, I always make time to unwind with a good box set or two.

This October, I’ll be taking on a personal challenge by running both the Cardiff Half Marathon and the Snowdon Marathon in support of PAPYRUS, a charity close to my heart. I am doing this in memory of a dear friend, it’s a big undertaking, but one I feel ready and proud to embrace.