Dr Peter Thomas Sandy is wearing a grey suit jacket, pale blue shirt and silver tie. He is standing in front of christmas decorations including red tinsel and candy canes. He is smiling at the camera.

Associate Professor Peter Thomas Sandy

Senior Lecturer
Programme lead for PGDip in Mental Health Nursing
College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare
peter.sandy@uwl.ac.uk

Dr Peter Thomas Sandy is an Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing at the University of West London. He has worked in the UK for over 25 years in clinical practice and higher education institutions. Examples of the latter include the Open University and Buckinghamshire New University, where he assumed the role of a Principal Lecturer in Mental Health Practice and oversaw the development of a range of post-registration mental healthcare-related programmes. 

He was Professor of Public Health for eight years (2012-2020) at the University of South Africa, within its Department of Health Studies. He led the development of the PhD and Masters programmes in Public Health and acted as the postgraduate programme coordinator during his tenure at this university. His remit in this role includes the coordination of capacity-building activities that involve the delivery of public health research programmes in Ethiopia and South Africa. 

As a mental health practitioner, Dr Sandy actively supports people with mental health difficulties and/or learning disabilities. His clinical experiences shaped his research interests. He is interested in drug and alcohol use among vulnerable populations, such as the homeless and people with mental health and learning disability problems.

From a broader perspective, Dr Sandy has a huge interest in attitude and behaviour change and has conducted a range of funded research related to these areas. His research has yielded several scholarly publications (e.g. research articles and reports) and grant awards that raise the understanding of how beliefs and attitudes affect healthcare professionals’ reactions to service users’ behaviours (e.g. self-harm). He promotes his research findings in curricula and lectures to students, faculty and clinicians. 

Dr Sandy has presented his research findings at both national and international conferences. His recent experience of working with rural and urban communities and voluntary organisations in the southern Africa region expanded his interest to include infectious diseases (e.g. TB and HIV) and health disparities. 

Dr Sandy earned his doctoral degree (PhD) from Brunel University. His thesis focused on an area of mental health practice, self-mutilation and attitude. The outcome of this study led to the development of the “Self-Harm Explanatory” and the “Factors Influencing Self-Harming Behaviour (FISH)" models, which have practical utility in the assessment and management of self-harming behaviours in forensic and generic mental health services. 

Dr Sandy has supervised to completion of several undergraduate, Masters and doctoral projects, and he has mentored several academics in research and writing for publication.

  • Qualifications

    • PhD
    • MSc
    • PGDip
    • BSc

  • Memberships

    South Africa Psychiatric Nursing Association
    Association of Nurses in Substance Abuse
    Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Teaching

I started my teaching career in higher education in 2000 as a part-time lecturer at the University of West London when it was Thames Valley University. My remit was to support mental health nursing students in practice and lead a reflective practice module. Following this, I gained full time employment at Buckinghamshire New University as a senior lecturer in mental health nursing. In 2012, I gained employment at a University in Southern Africa, and worked in the same for eight years.

Research

  • Research and publications

    Peer-reviewed articles

    Ramluggun, P., Idowu, C., Sandy, PT. & Wright, H. (2023) ‘Supporting mental health nurses to meet patients’ spiritual needs’, Mental Health Practice, 25(2). 

    Watijira, MK., Sandy, PT. & Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH. (2023) ‘Patients’ perceived quality of care and their satisfaction with care given for MDR-TB at referral hospitals in Ethiopia’, PloS one, 18(2)- e0270439. 

    Sandy, PT., Molotsi, T. & Rioga, M. (2022) ‘Work-Family Conflict and Mental Distress of Black Women in employment in South Africa: A Template Analysis’, MDPI-Social Science,11(9). 

    Watijira, MK., Sandy, PT. & Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH. (2022) ‘Treatment outcomes of patients with MDR-TB and its determinants at referral hospitals in Ethiopia’, PloS one, 17(2)-eo262318. 

    Nathoo, S., Shaw, DG. & Sandy. PT. (2021) ‘Determinants of compassion in providing care to older people: Educational implications’, Nurse Education Today,101, 104828. 

    Sandy, PT., Meyer, JT., Oduniyi, OS. & Mavhandu-Mudzusi , AH. (2021) ‘Paramedic students' confidence and satisfaction with clinical simulations of an emergency medical care programme in South Africa: A cross-sectional study’, Health SA Gesondheid, 26(1). 

    Roos, J., Naidoo, U. & Sandy, PT. (2020) ‘Determinants of the readiness of nursing campuses to use a computerised training tool’, African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 22(2). 

    Bedru, H., Fikru, M., Niguse, W., Jemal, A., Getinet, A.,  Hailu, A. & Sandy, PT. (2021) ‘Drug Resistance Pattern of M. tuberculosis Complex in Oromia Region of Ethiopia’, Infection and Drug Resistance,14:1679–1689. 

    Sandy, PT., Vhembo, T. & Molotsi, TK. (2019) ‘Sexual behaviour among adolescents living with the human immunodeficiency virus in Zimbabwe: educational implications’, African Journal of AIDS Research, 18(2). 

    Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH., Sandy, PT. & Hettema, A . (2017) ‘Registered nurses’ perceptions regarding nurse-led antiretroviral therapy initiation in Hhohho Region, Swaziland’, International Nursing Review, 64(4). 

    Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH .& Sandy, PT. (2017) ‘Human Rights Violation: its impact on the mental well-being of LGBTI students in a South African rural-based University’, South African Journal for Higher Education, 31(2). 

    Sandy, PT. (2016) ‘The use of observation on patients who self-harm: lessons from a learning disability service’, Health SA Gesondheid, 21, pp. 406-416. 

    Sandy, PT. & Shaw, DG. (2016) ‘ Mental health nurses' attitudes toward self-harm: Curricular implications’, Health SA Gesondheid, 21, pp. 253-260. 

    Sandy, PT. & Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH. (2016) ‘Pharmacists’ attitudes towards an integrated patience management system in a public hospital in Southern Africa: A Phenomenological Exploration’, African Journal of Physical Activity and Health Sciences, 22 (1.2). 

    Mavhandu-Mudzusia, AH. & Sandy, PT. (2015) ‘Religion-related stigma and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students at a South African rural-based university’, Cultural Health and Sexuality, 17(8), pp. 1-3. 

    Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH. & Sandy, PT. (2014) ‘The experiences of HIV-serodiscordant couples in Soweto, South Africa’, International Nursing Review, 62(2), pp.196-202. 

    Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH., Matshidiso, CL. & Sandy, PT. (2014) ‘The Experiences of HIV-serodiscordant Couples at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit in Soweto’, South Africa. Journal of Ethno Medicine, 8(2), pp. 119-125. 

    Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH., Sandy, PT. & Tshabangu, KF. (2014) ‘Factors Contributing to Intergenerational Sexual Relationships among Refugee Girls in the City of Tshwane, South Africa’, Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5 (20), pp. 2876-2885. 

    Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH. & Sandy, PT. (2014) ‘Staff and Students` Perception of an HIV/AIDS` Strategy: A Case Study of a South African Rural-Based University’, Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5 (20), pp. 2729-2737. 

    Sandy, PT. (2014) ‘Factors Affecting Assessment of Student Nurses’ Clinical Practice: A phenomenographic Exploration of the Experiences and Understanding of Mentors of a Mental Health Service in England’,  International Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 7(1), pp. 57-66. 

    Sandy, PT. (2013) ‘Does Spirituality Play a Role in Smoking Cessation? A Case Study Report of a Smoking Cessation Programme on Service Users with Schizophrenia’, Alternation Special Edition, 11, pp. 275 – 296. 

    Sandy, PT. (2013) ‘Motives of self-harm: Views of nurses in a secure unit’, Journal of International Nursing Review International Nursing Review, 60, pp.358–365. 

    Sandy, PT., Kgole, JC. & Mavundla ,TR. (2013) ‘Support needs of caregivers: case studies in South Africa’, International Nursing Review, 60, pp. 344–350. 

    Dithole, KS., Sandy, PT. & Thupayagale-Tshweneagae, G. (2013) ‘Usefulness of problem-based learning in clinical nursing education: experiences from the University of Botswana’, African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation & Dance, Supplement 1 September, pp. 1-10. 

    Sandy, PT. & Mgutshini, T. (2012) ‘Integrating religiosity into motivational interviewing and nicotine replacement therapy programme for patients with schizophrenia and nicotine addiction: lessons from a mental health service’, Journal of Addiction and Research Therapy, 3(2), pp. 2-7. 

    Sandy, PT. & Shaw, GD. (2012) ‘Attitudes of Mental Health Nurses to Self-Harm in Secure Forensic Settings: A multi-method phenomenological investigation’, JMMSR, 1 (4), pp.63-75. 

    Book chapter

    Sandy, PT. & Rioga, M. (2013) ‘Caring for the person with mental health needs in the community’, In Sines, D., Wright, J. Edwards, S. (eds) Community and Public Health Nursing, 5th edition. London: Wiley Blackwell, pp.20-21. 

    Other publications

    Rioga, M. & Sandy, PT. (2023) Peer Enhanced E-Placement (PEEP) booklet for nursing academics. London: BNU. 

    Sandy, PT. & Rioga, M. (2022) Disproportionate representation of people of black African and Caribbean heritage in crisis pathways & under MHA [1/2] report. London: CNWL. 

    Sandy, PT, Rioga, M. & Adelunde, A. (2021) Rethinking observations in mental health service research report. London: CNWL. 

    Sandy, PT. (2018) Phoning out poverty and AIDS: An evaluation report of the impact of an economic empowerment project in Southern Africa. South Africa: VSO-RHAISA. 

    Sandy, PT. (2018) Community-based guidelines: promoting caregiving in the Southern Africa Development Community. South Africa: VSO-RHAISA. 

    Sandy, PT. & Mundeta, B. (2016) Strengthening advocacy around policy and changing social norms to improve access and utilisation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Sexual Reproductive Health Services among vulnerable populations in Southern Africa: A multi-layered Approach. South Africa: VSO-RHAISA. 

    Sandy, PT. (2015) Preventing drug and alcohol misuse: a behaviour change guide for schools and communities. South Africa: VSO-RHAISA.

  • Conferences

    Sandy, PT. (March 2024) Playing the game: Exploration of Black African and Caribbean service users' experience of trauma and the mental health system. Global majority and mental health conference. 

    Sandy, PT. & Moon, N. (2023) Enhancing Student Nurses` Learning in Clinical Practice: A Measured-Step Group-based Teaching & Assessment Strategy. Festival of Teaching and Learning: Effective assessment of learners’ conference 2023, UWL. 

    Sandy, PT. & Powel, A. (2023) An Evaluation of a Peer Enhanced e-Placement for 1st year Mental Health Pre-Registration Nursing students. Festival of Teaching and Learning: Effective assessment of leaners’ conference 2023, UWL. 

    Sandy, PT. (2018) Scratching beneath the surface: Prison officers’ perceptions of HIV in prisons in Zimbabwe. VSO-RHAISA conference, South Africa. 

    Sandy, PT & Modeta, B. (2017) Empowering women and girls in Zambia: An integrated programme of income generation, HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH). VSO-RHAISA conference, South Africa. 

    Sandy, PT. (2016) Does child marriage spread HIV infection? An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the views of parliamentarians in Mozambique. VSO-RHAISA conference, Zimbabwe. 

    Sandy, PT. (2015) Reforms in General Education. Department of Education conference, March 28-29 Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. 

    Sandy, PT. (2014) Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to research volunteering. Voluntary Service Overseas conference, Pretoria, South Africa. 

    Sandy, PT. & Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH. (2014)  Mental health nurses’ attitudes towards self-harm: curricular implications of a qualitative study. 2nd European Regional STTI Conference, Sweden. 

    Sandy, PT. (2014) Who is hurting whom? Views of service users and nurses of the impact of self-harming behaviours in a secure forensic unit. Canada. Registered psychiatric Nursing conference World Congress, Canada. 

    Sandy, PT. (2014) Time well spent; observation and engagement of patients who self-harm: lessons from an inpatient learning disability service in the United Kingdom. Weskoppies Hospital, South Africa. 

    Sandy, PT. (2014) The use of seclusion in secure forensic environments: an investigation of factors influencing nurses’ attitudes. Denmark. 9th European Congress on Violence in Clinical Psychiatry. 

    Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH. & Sandy, PT. (2014) Human rights: a dream or reality for lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender, and intersex in a rural-based university. 2nd European Regional STTI Conference, Sweden. 

    Sandy, PT. (2014) Factors Affecting Assessment of Student Nurses’ Clinical Practice: A Phenomenographic Exploration of the Experiences and Understanding of Mentors of a Mental Health Service in England. 25th International nursing Research Congress, Hong Kong. 

    Sandy, PT. & Mavhandu-Mudzusi, AH. (2014) Zero New HIV and TB infection: vision impossible with the current management of LGBTI students in a rural-based university. International Nursing Research Congress, Hong Kong. 

    Sandy, PT. (2013) Motives of self-harm: Views of nurses in a secure unit. May 2013 International mental health Nursing conference, Finland. 

    Sandy, PT. (2013) Attitudes towards self-harm: a multi-method phenomenological investigation. Sigma Theta Nursing Conference, Prague, Czech Republic, July 2013. 

    Sandy, PT. (2013) Mental health recovery applied to practice. Weskoppies Hospital, South Africa. 

    Sandy, PT. & Assey, J. (2011) An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of   a Sexual Offenders` Intervention Group. The Vista Group Conference, Winchfield, Hampshire, United Kingdom. 

    Sandy, PT. (2010) Deliberate self-harm in forensic psychiatry: a multi-method investigation. International Nursing Conference, Liverpool. 

    Sandy, PT. & Shaw, D. (2007) Application of a mixed methodological approach on attitudes of psychiatric nurses towards self-harm. International Mixed Method conference, Cambridge, United Kingdom. 

    Sandy, P., Shaw, D. & Drodie, D. (2006) Effectiveness of the application of motivational interviewing. Nursing International Conference, York. 

    Sandy, PT. (1997) An examination of factors affecting the attitude of psychiatric nurses working in a secure setting towards the use of seclusion.  Good Practice Conference, Hammersmith, London.

  • Research degree supervision

    PhD research supervision (University of South Africa)

    • Jemal Seid Mohammed: Evaluation of tuberculosis infection control implementation in Ethiopia. 
    • Ambanesh Necho Mulatu: Strategies for improving Maternity Waiting Home utilisation in the North-West Region of Ethiopia.
    • Morgen Nyahwa: Effects of domestic violence on children in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
    • Shemsu Gabiso Kasim: Utilisation of skilled attendance for maternal healthcare in rural health centres, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
    • Henock Bekele Keto: Factors associated with the development of drug-resistance resistant tuberculosis in Ethiopia.
    • Awraris Hailu Bilchut: An evaluation of the role of health extension workers in the management of tuberculosis in Ethiopia.
    • Mengistu Kenea Wakjira: Treatment outcomes of patients with MDR-TB and its determinants at referral hospitals in Ethiopia.
    • Muluneh Yigzaw Mossie: Multilevel determinants of universal coverage of maternal and newborn healthcare in Addis Ababa: a mixed-methods study.
    • Udesvari Pillay: Determinants of the nursing campuses’ readiness to use a computerised adaptation training tool in South Africa.
    • Bongani Robert Dlamini: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of midwives during the provision of immediate postnatal care interventions to HIV-infected mothers and their infants: a Swaziland analysis.

    PhD research supervision (University of West London)

    • Prince Odunlade: Safety at work and quality care: mental healthcare staff exposure to violence, abuse, and trauma.
    • Nathaniel Hwata: Exploring the health and social service needs of younger people with dementia from the perspective of service users.
    • Kingsley Ischeli: -factors that underpin patients’ liberty: a reflection of the legal framework of Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.

    PhD research supervision (Buckinghamshire New University)

    • 2020: Margaret Rioga: A conceptual educational support model for under-graduate students in Higher Educational Institutions in England.

    MPhil research supervision (University of South Africa)

    • John Meyer: Paramedic students’ confidence and satisfaction with clinical simulations of an emergency medical care programme in South Africa: a cross-sectional study.
    • Nebeyou Aberra Yilma: Comparing compliance to standard precautions amongst health care providers in public versus private hospitals in Gaborone.
    • Marilyn Buyisiwe Mnguni: An exploration of factors determining co-ordination of HIV and AIDS programmes in Ugu District Municipality.
    • Tesema Hana Tsegaye: Factors affecting ART patient data quality at Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana.
    • Mersha Bogale Gorfu: Factors affecting utilization of integrated community case management of common childhood illnesses in Agarfa Woreda, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia.
    • Tichaona Vhembo: Sexual behaviour among adolescents living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
    • Regebe Berhanu Belay: The perception of preparatory students of the risk of contracting human immuno-deficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections in Adama, Eastern Showa, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.
    • Demeke Gizew Damtie: Factors influencing sexual risk behaviours among senior secondary school students (youths).
    • Endriyas Alganeh Woldemariam: Assessment of the sanitary status of food and drink establishments in Addis Ababa City, a case of Kirkos Sub-City; Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
    • AH Hettema: Task shifting in Swaziland: the perceptions and attitudes of nurses regarding nurse-led antiretroviral therapy in Hhohho Region, Swaziland.
    • N Elidad: Evaluation of the effectiveness of contraceptives in teenagers in Gauteng, South Africa.
    • Berhanu Tamir Tirfe: A study exploring socio demographic and service-related factors influencing utilization of intra uterine contraceptive device utilisation among family planning users in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
    • Sithembele Magqadiyane: The Influence of the role of monitoring and evaluation of the clinic managers’ performance in primary health care setting at Qumbu Sub District Health, South Africa.

    MSc dissertation supervision (University of West London)

    • Hadassa Schleider: Service improvement project to improve mental health outcomes of primary school children.
    • Basheerat Martins: Integration of a paediatric dermatology clinic and mental health services.
    • Umar Kamoga: Integration of community and mental health services.
    • Mercy Avbulimen: Service improvement project to improve care provision in mental health adult nursing services. Completed 2023. Sole supervisor.

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