Jackie Stephen-Haynes

Jackie Stephen-Haynes completed her RGN in 1984, specialising in orthopaedics and then, more specifically, rheumatology. Working in a rheumatology specialist unit, her interest in tissue viability began with an audit of wounds and a focus on pressure ulcer prevention.

The increasing emphasis on primary care led to Jackie being appointed as the first community staff nurse in Worcestershire, in 1991. This allowed for further development of her interest in tissue viability, as well as an innovative approach to the use of compression therapy, prior to its availability on prescription. This role was undertaken in conjunction with the discharge liaison sisters’ role and led to a specific interest in care delivery and organisation.

Having secured sponsorship to undertake district nurse training, Jackie undertook a Diploma of Nursing at Wolverhampton University. Nurse training moved from the school of nursing to the University of Worcester and, while working as a district nursing sister, Jackie completed a BSc(Hons), with supervision by Dr Jane Fox. Dr Fox actively encouraged Jackie to write for publication and to continue with academic study, securing funding from the Regional Health Authority to undertake an MSc, with a dissertation supervised by Dr Tony Ghaye.

Following her MSc, Jackie was appointed to the first tissue viability post in Worcester Primary Care Trust, as a lecturer and practitioner. Louise Toner and Jackie both met on their first day of work, discussing a vision for tissue viability, including strategic, clinical and educational developments. Together, they developed BSc and MSc-level study on tissue viability, care and prevention of leg ulceration, pressure ulceration, and infection control in tissue viability and palliative care, further developing a strategy for preregistration education with an annual conference. Jackie has completed a research-training programme and has a Postgraduate Diploma in Research and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. In early 2000, she was appointed as consultant nurse, continuing to undertake a clinical and academic role, with a particular interest in practice development, service delivery and outcomes, the impact of education on clinical outcomes, tissue viability in the care-home sector, the development of specialist inter-professional roles, and new wound treatment modalities

She is the past Chair of the Wound Care Society, Vice Chair of Wound Care Alliance UK and is the Chair of the newly developed charity Healing Wounded Heroes. Jackie is consultant advisor to Leg Club Foundation and has previously advised Primary Care Live, Wound Expo, Wounds UK and undertaken national representation for NHS Procurement, as well as being a member of the editorial board of British Journal of Nursing, British Journal of Community Nursing’s Wound Care supplement and Wounds UK. Jackie has won several awards, including United Wound Management Education Forum and Wounds UK award in compression (2010 and 2011), wound management, exudate management, chronic oedema and infection control in tissue viability.

Today, Jackie is completing a PhD by portfolio, with the focus on outcomes in tissue viability, and has a £75 000 research grant with supervision by Professor Dominic Upton.