Rapid Insight events

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.

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.

With a deep interest in the application of research to real-world challenges, Katherine has worked on a range of programmes that seek to enhance the delivery of care services through data-driven insights.

Outside of work, Katherine enjoys spending time with her young family, running and being on, in or by the sea.

Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn

Emily Hunter

Associate Director - Insight

Emily is the Associate Director of the Insight team. She has strategic oversight of the team’s portfolio and of the high quality work we produce. Emily works closely with clients to scope our support and develop our business.

Emily has a background in evaluating global health projects and support Cancer Research UK’s early diagnosis programme, working closely with primary care and system stakeholders. She has led Insight’s evaluation offer for innovators, overseen large evaluations of complex programmes, and regularly delivers sessions to develop understanding and capabilities in evaluation.

Facilitative and calm under pressure, Emily attributes her work style to the huge benefits that come from her love of music, as a performer and a keen audience member.

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!

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.

Sophie Barton

Advanced Analyst

Sophie joined the Insight Team as Advanced Data Analyst in 2019 and has over a decade of experience working in the NHS. She holds a Master’s degree and worked for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and the South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit prior to joining HIW.

Her expertise lies in hospital data sets, where she specialises in transforming complex data into actionable insights that support healthcare planning and delivery. Beyond her professional life, she is a mother of two young children who enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. She is driven by a commitment to making a meaningful impact through data.

How can we help you?

To arrange an informal discussion,
email commercial@hiwessex.net

We deliver large online events to capture insights on questions important to you. Our rapid analysis will give you the insights you need quickly to support your strategic decision-making.