Published on: 20 January 2026
A specialist nurse from the Mental Health Liaison Team in North Derbyshire has been recognised for 40 years of dedicated NHS service. 
Angela Richardson, who works within Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was presented with her 40 Years’ Service Award by Chief Executive, Mark Powell, acknowledging her longstanding commitment to patient care and to the Trust.
Angela began her NHS career in September 1985 as a student nurse in Learning Disability services, training at Whittington Hall at a time when all records were kept on paper. She qualified in 1988 after passing the State Final Exam and four placement-based assessments and worked for nine years as a staff nurse supporting people with profound disabilities.
In 1997, Angela moved into dementia care at Walton Hospital before being seconded to the University of Sheffield to complete a degree in mental health nursing, qualifying in 1999. She then joined the Hartington Unit in 2000, progressing from a staff nurse to a ward sister within two years, before moving to Liaison Psychiatry at Chesterfield Royal Hospital in 2003, where she has now worked for 23 years.
Reflecting on her career, Angela said: “I enjoy teaching and did consider that as an alternative to nursing, but I decided to stay in clinical roles throughout my career, always putting the patient first.
“Any one of us could be a patient, and we should treat people with the compassion and respect we would wish for ourselves and our loved ones. That belief has always motivated me.”
Angela recalled significant changes during her time in Liaison services.
“When I started in 2003 there were just five nurses in the team, including the manager and one medical secretary – and everything was done on paper. The team expanded in 2014 in both number and scope, and we have faced several challenges as we adapted to new technology.”
Angela is driven by her patients and is committed to providing exceptional care in everything she does. She said: “My favourite part of the job will always be the patients – particularly spending time with them when they need support and care.
“Growing up, I was one of those people who always wanted to be a nurse, bandaging teddies and dolls as a child and volunteering with children who had severe disabilities as a teenager. After 40 years, I still enjoy the unique challenges and rewards of Liaison work and the privilege of being there for patients in their darkest hour, working alongside a dedicated and supportive team.”
Mark Powell, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Healthcare, congratulated Angela on reaching this significant milestone. He said: “This is an impressive achievement, and Angela should recognise that not many people reach 40 years of service. Angela’s contributions to patient care are inspirational and she should be very proud.
“On behalf of everyone at the Trust, I would like to thank her for her time, dedication and person-centred approach in supporting our communities over the last four decades.”
