Dame Jackie began her NHS career as a nurse before moving into management, and has been a chief executive officer for over 20 years leading a range of acute, mental health and specialist trusts.   

She was appointed as Chief executive of Newcastle Hospitals in March 2018.  Since then the Trust retained its outstanding CQC status, and was the first healthcare organisation in the world to declare a climate emergency.   

 She has a degree in Nursing Studies, a Masters degree in Quality Assurance in Health & Social Care and is a qualified business and personal coach.  A strong advocate of developing diverse leadership and supporting women in leadership roles, Dame Jackie is also passionate about improving the health, wealth and wellbeing of those living in our region. 

She is currently Vice-chair of the NHS Confederation, a member of the NHS Assembly, an Independent member of the Board of the Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research (OSCHR), a member of the National People Board and a member of the Recovery, Resilience and Growth Oversight Board.  She is also a Director of the Academic Health Science Network and Northern Health Science Alliance.