Research in Wales
Thanks to the fantastic generosity and commitment of our supporters in Wales, we’ve pioneered some of the most important medical research breakthroughs over the last 60 years.
Making medical research a government priority
We’re working with others across the charity sector and the Welsh Senedd to create a better environment for medical research in Wales.
We commissioned a report from the Fraser of Allander Institute at Strathclyde University to examine the economic benefits of charity funded medical research.
Funding Wales' future
Building upon this work, in September 2022 we then published our own report ‘Funding Wales’ Future: Investing in universities to drive economic growth’.
This report highlights the importance of research and development in Wales.
Cross Party Group on Medical Research
BHF Cymru acts as the Secretariat for the Cross Party Group on Medical Research. This group brings together members of the Senedd, charity and industry stakeholders, patients and clinicians to drive improvement in the medical research environment in Wales.
Learn more about the Cross Party Group on Medical Research
Supporting improvements in NHS care
We’ve worked with clinicians, patients and the public to create a new Heart and Circulatory Disease plan for Wales.
The Welsh government have included many of our recommendations in their Quality Statement for Heart Disease. This sets out the quality of care that people living with heart and circulatory diseases can expect in Wales.
Improving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates
In March 2021, the BHF successfully campaigned to include CPR in the Welsh Curriculum. This could improve survival rates for cardiac arrest in the future.
It’s estimated that there are thousands of unregistered defibrillators in Wales. Unregistered defibrillators can’t be found in an emergency.
The BHF have launched The Circuit - a national defibrillator network that spans the UK. The Circuit is accessible to 999 call handlers.
Closing the heart attack gender gap
Coronary heart disease alone kills over twice as many women as breast cancer, yet it’s still seen as a disease which only affects men. This misconception is costing women their lives.
Our report, ‘Bias and Biology: The Heart Attack Gender Gap’ highlights these inequalities women face in Wales. We offer a range of recommendations to the Welsh government – which they’ve taken on board.
Campaigning for a Clean Air Act for Wales
Air pollution can increase the risk of heart and circulatory disease, and worsen existing heart conditions.
We’ve been working in partnership with other charities to influence the Welsh Government to introduce a Clean Air Act. This has support from all political parties in the Senedd. We want everyone in Wales to breathe clean, safe air.
Helping Wales make the healthiest choices
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung disease and liver disease are responsible for well over half of total deaths in Wales.
With other health charities, we’re campaigning for the Welsh government to prioritise health. We want to help to reduce smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption Wales – which impact the poorest in society the most.
Cardiovascular Disease Factsheets for Wales’ Health Boards
Our bilingual factsheets on each of the seven health boards in Wales have been designed to help you learn more about cardiovascular disease in your local area.
Cardiovascular disease factsheets
More on Wales
Fundraising in Wales
There are around 340,000 people living with heart and circulatory diseases in Wales. Our research and the work we do in Wales is powered by your support. Every minute of your time and every donation will help make a difference to people's lives.
Who we are in Wales
Contact and address details for the teams on the ground in Wales.