Anna Lipinska, Physical Health and Hospital Liaison Lead for Path 2 Recovery (the Trust’s addictions service in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire), was invited alongside Peter Spelman, Senior Social Worker for the Tower Hamlets Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
The reception took place in the Garden of 10 Downing Street on Monday 6 July 2026, the day after the NHS’ official birthday. Speeches were made by both the Health Secretary and the Prime Minister, before general networking amongst attendees. Both Anna and Peter shared stories and experiences with other attendees, while also learning about the roles of other staff throughout the UK.
Commenting on the reception, Anna said: “It still feels a little surreal to have been invited to the reception at 10 Downing Street. I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the NHS and everyone who makes it what it is. It was a pleasure to meet the Prime Minister and Health Secretary, while standing with fellow NHS staff representing different areas of the country. It was definitely a day I will remember.”
Peter added: “I would like to thank my colleagues for putting me forward to attend this event. It is a real honour to have been chosen to celebrate the NHS’ many successes with colleagues from up and down the country who work tirelessly to serve their communities.”
Anna’s day-to-day job looks to improve services for people with liver disease, and tackle health inequalities in patients with alcohol dependency. Last year, she received a national award for her partnership work with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in setting up a clinic for vulnerable people in Bedford and Central Bedfordshire.
Peter has worked as a social worker for over 50 years. To mark the anniversary, the Chief Social Worker for Adults (England) at the Department of Health and Social Care, wrote to him to congratulate him for a lifetime of dedication to the profession.
Outside of work, Peter is a keen runner. In October, he will be running the Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon for Cancer Research. You can donate to the cause on Peter’s JustGiving fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/peter-spelman-11?utm_campaign.