We are delighted to share that Sandra Pinch was invited to attend a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate the 78th anniversary of the National Health Service and to recognise the extraordinary dedication of NHS staff.
Sandra is our Modern Matron for Low Secure Service, Specialist Community Forensic Team and Inpatient Recovery Units. She was nominated by Livewell’s Assistant Directors in recognition of her remarkable career in mental health nursing.
She has recently spearheaded a £2.4 million pound project to create a new specialist mental health unit for men called ‘The Cove’ in Plymouth. The team supports service users to step down from secure services. They also support service users to transition from acute services to the community, or those who require intensive therapeutic interventions.
The reception at Downing Street was hosted by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray and Sir Keir Starmer. It brought together guests from a wide range of professions and backgrounds, all recognised for their efforts in making a difference.
Speaking about the experience, Sandra said: “I felt very humbled to be nominated and it was such a privilege to have this opportunity. I was so excited, the only picture I have is when I was lining up for security at the entrance to Downing Street!
“After walking through the famous number 10 door, I caught a glimpse of Larry the cat curled up under a chair. I then met other healthcare colleagues in the gardens which were beautiful on a hot summer’s day. Amongst them were consultants, pharmacists, nurses, volunteers and therapists. They all had had exceptionally long careers in the NHS, and all still had great passion for their jobs and caring for people.
“After 38 years of working in healthcare, it will serve as a wonderful memory to look back on as I come towards the last couple of years of my career. This was a great reminder of the dedication that people who work in healthcare provide.”
Assistant Director and Strategic Mental Health Lead Sara Mitchell nominated Sandra to attend the reception. She said: “Sandra has dedicated four decades working in the NHS. She has consistently exemplified professionalism, loyalty, and a deep commitment to supporting the vital work of mental healthcare services. Her quiet dedication and behind-the-scenes contributions have made a lasting impact at Livewell Southwest, and this invitation is a fitting tribute to her outstanding career.”
