International Women's Day 2026 | Celebrating some of the inspirational women at CAVUHB

6th March 2026

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, highlights the importance and urgency of accelerating progress towards gender equality.

This is an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of women working across healthcare and within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Below are just a few examples showcasing the talent, leadership and dedication of colleagues from the last year:

RCN Nurse of the Year Awards 2025

Claire Loveridge - Practice Educator in Community Children’s Nursing

Claire received the Nurse Education Award for her important work leading an initiative to establish a structured and standardised approach to training and assessment in Children’s Community Nursing.

Claire implemented a visionary improvement plan for training and development, and co-ordinated training opportunities for colleagues across Wales. She also created a national network of individuals to cascade key information and serve as the first point of contact for training needs in each Health Board.

Claire’s work has not only resulted in improvements in patient outcomes, but also in staff morale, clinical competence and confidence, and clinical governance.

RCN Nurse of the Year Awards 2025

Victoria (Vicki) Hayman-Teear - Senior Nurse in the Vale Locality

Vicki received the Research, Innovation and Digitalisation Award for leading a digital transformation in wound care using the Healthy.io Minuteful for Wound app.

Vicki’s work using AI-powered wound imaging technology replaced paper-based assessments with consistent and accurate data.

Vicki’s work has made wound care safer, more efficient and more person centred across the Health Board, and it has the potential to be adapted across different disciplines.

Ms Magda Popiela - Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Director of Ophthalmology

Magda became the first ophthalmic surgeon in Wales to use the EndoArt Artificial Endothelial Implant, an innovative new treatment offering hope to patients with complex corneal conditions.

The EndoArt implant is a synthetic implant inserted into the eye’s posterior corneal surface through a minimally invasive procedure. The cutting-edge technology offers an alternative to donor corneal tissue, offering patients with challenging cases an improved chance of a positive outcome.

Delyth Jones - Senior Staff Nurse at University Hospital Llandough

Delyth won two gold medals at the European Powerlifting Championship in Malta on 26 September 2025.

Delyth has dedicated 21 years to caring for elderly and adult patients on East 6 at University Hospital Llandough, demonstrating exceptional commitment both professionally and personally.

To all the incredible and dedicated women working across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board - thank you for everything you do.