20 January 2023

Katherine Sims first began her career in Occupational Therapy in 1984. Although Occupational Therapists (OT) are dually trained in both physical and mental health, she chose to work in mental health early in her career.

She worked at both St Bernard’s and Napsbury, formally psychiatric hospitals, meeting many people who had been inpatients for nearly 30 years.

“I heard their stories and it always stayed with me. Working with service users and carers has been a privilege, hearing their stories, seeing their courage and supporting them in their recovery,” she says.

In 1999, Katherine came across to Hillingdon, and in 2006 she joined CNWL as part of the community physical rehabilitation teams. Katherine, who is retiring from her post as Head Occupational Therapist for Hillingdon Mental Health, has always been proud to work for the NHS, seeing many changes for the better.

“Although we have a long way to go, we are much further forward in mental health services than we were, and there has been lots of progress in a positive direction. There are challenges and it is far from perfect but I have always believed in the principle of it and what we offer to people."

“The underpinning principles of my profession have not changed either. Occupations matter and support health and wellbeing whether this is work, social, leisure or self-care. Work with people – find out what they want to achieve and then support them to do this. Look at their strengths and help them to build and regain skills.”

With a total of 39 years dedicated to the NHS, Katherine says her constant joy has been her colleagues both past and present.

“I love working in teams with a range of professions and people, All bringing their training, skills and life experiences to the workplace. I have made lifelong friends some I have known for nearly 40 years now.”

“CNWL has always been supportive of Allied Health Professions. The professional structure, with Heads of Profession and a Director of Therapies, offers such robust training and support to staff it has enabled OT to grow as a service.”

Katherine will continue post-retirement in a part-time clinical role in Hillingdon, and looks forward to marking 40 years as an Occupational Therapist in 2024.

“My colleagues have been a wonderful group to work with over the years, positive problem solvers with a can-do attitude. It has always been a pleasure.”

CNWL is the second biggest employer of OTs in the country, see our vacancies here.