Sandra trained and practised as a social worker but spent most of her career in research in health, education and social care. While caring for her mother who had Alzheimer’s disease, Sandra interacted with a wide range of health and social care professionals and also became involved as a carer with the Alzheimer’s Society, joining the Research Network. Subsequently, she took a post in public involvement at Teesside University building a substantial database of people with a wide range of experience of health and social care who were willing to take part in teaching, interviewing, assessment and course development.
Sandra is currently a lay member of an NIHR funding committee, a member of the NHS Sounding Board for Older people and continues with her work with the Alzheimer’s Society.