Wythenshawe Hospital Speech and Language Therapist named in the Queen’s birthday honours list

Jemma Haines, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) PhD Fellow, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Jemma Haines, who is also a Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ National Respiratory Professional Advisor said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive such an honour for the work I do as a clinical academic Speech and Language Therapist and feel it is recognition of the positive impact research can have on clinical care.

“Our understanding of upper airway respiratory disorders remains in its infancy and without the support and funding from Manchester BRC I would not be able to pursue further research. 

“I hope the work we achieve in investigating a standardised evaluation and treatment for our patients will further help develop patient care of the future. I am incredibly grateful to the Manchester BRC team, especially my supervisors, and feel my award is definitely a reflection of a team effort.”

The Honour was awarded in recognition of Jemma’s leadership within the field of upper airway respiratory disorders in speech and language therapy, in addition to her significant contribution and response to supporting modifications to practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jemma’s work has influenced effective change across the speech and language therapy workforce over her 18-year career. Through direct support and leading professional guidance policy, she has supported clinicians across the country to establish and develop integrated respiratory multi-disciplinary services, improving quality of life for many patients.

Professor Jacky Smith, Honorary Consultant at Wythenshawe Hospital and Manchester BRC Programme Lead for Improving Respiratory Symptoms, said: “I’m delighted to have known Jemma for many years, prior to her undertaking her PhD, and her move to Wythenshawe Hospital, where she has made such an incredible impact in her field. I could not be more pleased – and proud for her.”

Professor Smith, who is also Director of the NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility, added: “This is fantastic recognition of her excellent achievements in her discipline to date, and I am very excited about the research she is now undertaking through her desire to further improve the patient experience in this area.”