Virtual Wards Rapid Evaluation

Amanda Lees

Evaluation Programme Manager (Qualitative) - Insight

Amanda is an Evaluation Programme Manager in the Insight team at Health Innovation Wessex. Before this, she worked in academia as a qualitative and mixed methods researcher and evaluator, holding roles at the universities of Oxford (Oxford Vaccine Group), Southampton and Winchester. She has also worked in research and evaluation within the NHS, private sector, and local authorities.

Amanda's research focused on health and care, especially the experiences of those receiving and delivering services and she has published many peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and co-edited a book on mixed-methods research in wellbeing and health. Since joining Health Innovation Wessex in 2022, she has enjoyed the challenge of applying research techniques within the complex real world environment, working with multidisciplinary colleagues on a diverse range of projects.

Outside of work, she loves walking especially in the Lake District, spending time with family and friends and is trying to become a regular at Parkrun!

Julia Wilson

Evaluation Programme Coordinator

Julia is a mixed-method researcher and project manager passionate about transforming healthcare through innovation. She currently works as an Evaluation Programme Co-ordinator at Health Innovation Wessex, supporting real-world evaluations aiding the adoption of innovations across the NHS. Her expertise spans across developing and integrating digital AI products, health behavioural science and mixed-method research.

Julia brings over seven years of experience managing and supporting complex academic and clinical projects, with a strong track record at organisations like Sacher AI, Allurion Technologies, University Hospitals Plymouth and the University of Plymouth. With a background in healthcare innovation and a portfolio of published research, Julia is driven by a commitment to improving patient outcomes and empowering communities.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, golfing, and exploring the intersection of technology and wellbeing.

Emmanuel Defever

Qualitative Evaluation Programme Coordinator

Dr Emmanuel Defever is a health and care service evaluator, working with Health Innovation Wessex as a Programme Co-ordinator for the Insight team. He enjoys using his analytical and interpretive skills to explore how implementing different ways of working impact patients, staff and other stakeholders. He has a special interest in mixed method approach to explore 'what works for who, how and why.'

He trained as a physiotherapist and his career has evolved from clinical to research and evaluation role. He worked in a range of settings including acute, community and mental health services. Driven by the natural desire to learn, he completed his PhD and continues to directly connect with people from all walks of life who access or serve in the health and care sector.

He is blessed with a lovely wife, energetic children and a joyful pony. As a family, they all enjoy going to the stable, pony shows, camping, cycling, and often a cheeky picnic come rain or shine!

Jackie Chandler

Evaluation Programme Manager (Qualitative)

Jackie joined Health Innovation Wessex in 2019 as a Programme Manager and specialises in qualitative evaluations. These cover evaluating the implementation of digital solutions, service transformation projects and systems-based evaluations in integrated care systems.

Following a career in general and mental health nursing in the NHS and voluntary sector she moved into health research, where she worked with the Royal College of Nursing and the then National Institute for Clinical Excellence developing guidelines. Jackie previously worked on multi method trials in NHS settings with an emphasis on using qualitative methods in process evaluations. Jackie worked for the international organisation Cochrane for evidence synthesis (systematic reviews of studies) and is an associate editor of their Handbook. Her PhD used complex systems theory to better understand implementation of evidence-based care in healthcare settings, a focus of interest at HIW.

Outside work, Jackie practises yoga and is learning to play the harp.

Rebecca Player

Evaluation Programme Coordinator (Qualitative)

Beck is an evaluation programme coordinator who has a passion for improving quality of life through mixed methods in health research and evaluation. Her goal is to improve health and care while helping to create positive change.

Previously, Beck worked as an analyst for a local authority, where she compiled Covid data and worked extensively with large datasets, including case rates and vaccination uptake.

Her passion for research began with her PhD, where she earned a mixed methods doctorate on multiple sclerosis and fatigue. She is also a qualified osteopath with experience in a number of multidisciplinary clinics in London.

Outside of work, Beck enjoys playing hockey, staying active through CrossFit, and spending time outdoors with her dogs.

Katherine Gale

Evaluation Programme Manager (Qualitative)

Katherine is an Evaluation Programme Manager within the Insight Team. With 18 years of experience in health and social care research and evaluation, she is committed to improving patient outcomes and supporting healthcare staff through evidence-based innovation.

Katherine joined Health Innovation Wessex in 2016 while completing her PhD in Operational Research at the University of Southampton. Her doctorate formed part of the Care Life Cycle (CLC) project, a multidisciplinary programme examining the supply and demand of health and social care within an ageing society.

Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn