After an outstanding 44-year career in nursing, Phillipa (Pippa) Barnes is preparing to retire, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in haemophilia care and paediatric allergy and immunology services across Hull.
Pippa has been a familiar and highly valued figure in the region’s healthcare community for more than two decades. She played a central role in transforming the haemophilia service at the Queen’s Centre at Castle Hill Hospital, from a single-nurse provision into a nationally and internationally-recognised centre of excellence. When she first took on the role in 2000, she was the only nurse in the service; today, it has developed into a thriving multidisciplinary team.
Reflecting on her journey, Pippa said: “I am really proud of being able to develop a team, as it was just me in the beginning. I have a big team now and that has been a real privilege.”
Originally training as a nurse in Bath during the 1980s, Pippa later became dual trained in adult and paediatric nursing after moving to London, where she worked in a paediatric bone marrow transplant unit. She relocated to East Yorkshire in 1991 and joined the haemophilia service in 2000, marking the beginning of a career that would shape care for patients and families across the region.
Over the years, Pippa has seen significant changes in healthcare, particularly in treatment and technology.
She said: “One of the biggest changes I’ve seen is the shift to digital records, it was all paper and pen when I started. The main highlights for me have been seeing the advancements in technology and treatment for our patients, this has changed remarkably.”
Known for her compassionate approach, Pippa built strong relationships with her patients, helping to create a service where people feel supported as individuals. Her work was instrumental in the service achieving both UK Comprehensive Care Centre status and European recognition, reflecting its high standards of care.
Professor of Haematology, David Allsup said: “Pippa has worked tirelessly to transform the haemophilia service from a small, regional department to one that is recognised nationally and internationally as providing the highest level of patient care. Working with other team members, she has supported the transformation of the department into a comprehensive care centre.
“She has mentored and supported new staff coming into the department, which has helped transform patient care. She knows all her patients on first-name terms, which helps patients and their families feel as though they are part of a family, rather than a hospital department.”
Katie Gladstone, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Queen’s Centre, said: “We hope you will join us in wishing Pippa a well-deserved, happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues, patients and their families. Thank you Pippa for your exceptional contributions, efforts and support over the last 44 years. Enjoy, and report back every so often.”
Offering advice to future nurses, Pippa added: “Listen to your patients and act on what they tell you. Be an advocate for them.” As Pippa looks ahead to retirement, including spending time with her growing family and upcoming travels, she leaves with the heartfelt thanks and best wishes of colleagues, patients and the wider NHS community.