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"Don't let the barriers stop you. Just go for it."

From childcare to registered nurse: Sandra's Marjon journey 💙

When Sandra was younger, she dreamed of working in healthcare. But like many mature students, life took her on a different path first.

After building a career supporting children, families and people with learning disabilities and autism, Sandra felt ready for a new challenge. The problem? She didn't have the UCAS points she thought she needed for university.

Everything changed when she visited a Marjon Open Day.

Sandra discovered alternative routes into higher education that recognised her experience and allowed her to keep working while supporting her family. She went on to complete a Foundation Degree, a top-up degree, a master's degree and, most recently, the MSc Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship in Learning Disability Nursing.

Today, she's making a real difference at University Hospitals Plymouth, supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people to access equitable healthcare.

Her message to anyone thinking about university?

"Don't let the barriers stop you. Just go for it. There are different pathways and, particularly at Marjon, there are lots of different routes into healthcare careers."

Thinking about studying this September but not sure what your options are?

📞 Speak to the Marjon Clearing team today. Whether you're a mature student, don't have the qualifications you expected, or are exploring a career change, we can help you find the right route into university.

Get in touch and discover what's possible. ✨

01/07/2026

Come and see the Learning Disability and Autism Liaison Team today at the Blue Light Day at the Royal Cornwall Showground to learn about the team and support we provide when you come into Derriford Hospital. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Derriford Autism Service

30/06/2026

Come and join us today at Plymouth University SEND conference promoting our hospital passport and hospital services patients with LD and/or autistic.

23/06/2026

📢 Highbury Disco Cancellation Notice.

Unfortunately, the Highbury Disco scheduled for tonight, Tuesday 23rd June 2026, has been cancelled.
We will review the situation on Thursday and make a decision regarding Friday's disco then. Any updates will be shared as soon as possible.
Please share this post to help us reach everyone who may be planning to attend.

Thank you for your understanding. 💙

22/06/2026

Thank you to everyone for your support and engagement during Learning Disability Week.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to everyone who supported our bake sale on Wednesday 17 June. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over £370, which will be used to purchase resources and equipment to help ensure our patients have a positive and supportive experience during their stay in hospital.

Your support makes a real difference, and we are grateful for the enthusiasm and kindness shown throughout the week.

19/06/2026

Celebrating Excellence in Learning Disability & Autism Care

As we approach the end of Learning Disability Week we would like to once again highlight the outstanding work made by our Learning Disability and Autism Champions, following our Champions Awards held on 26th May.

The awards celebrated the outstanding staff, wards, and departments who go above and beyond to support patients with a learning disability and autistic patients, making a real difference every day through compassionate, inclusive, and accessible care.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Derriford Autism Service

Our final set of Winners are:

Louise Hopper (Special Care Dentist) - Champion of Champions
Freedom Theatres - Champion of Champions
Sophie Dargue (Acute GP)
Sharon Sheldon (REI)
CT Coordinators
Gary Minto (Consultant Anaesthetist)

18/06/2026

Celebrating Excellence in Learning Disability & Autism Care

As we continue celebrating Learning Disability Week, we would like to continue celebrating our Learning Disability and Autism Champions from our annual Learning Disability and Autism Champion Awards, held on 26th May.

The awards celebrated the outstanding staff, wards, and departments who go above and beyond to support patients with a learning disability and autistic patients, making a real difference every day through compassionate, inclusive, and accessible care.
Stay tuned throughout the rest of Learning Disability Week, as we shine a spotlight on the individuals and teams making healthcare more inclusive for everyone.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Derriford Autism Service

Our second set of Winners are:

Heather Blenkinsop (REI) - Champion of Champions
Ken Facey (Ward Clerk)
Ellie Lloyd (Radiographer)
Lisa Dalton (Social Worker)
Geraldine Quinteroplatt (Consultant: General Internal Medicine)
Jonathan Manley (Consultant Urologist)
Security Team

See our post from 5th June where we celebrated our first set of winners

18/06/2026

Come and see us for learning disability week down on level 6 main concourse. We will be here until lunch time to answer any questions you may have.

17/06/2026