Published on: 22 June 2026
A community mental health nurse in Derby has been recognised for 40 years of long service in the NHS, having supported mental health care transformation across Derbyshire since 1986.
Julian Bannister, who works within Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was presented with his 40 Years’ Service Award by Chief Executive, Mark Powell, who celebrated his longstanding dedication to patient care and to the Trust.
Julian began his career in finance after completing his A-Levels, before a relative inspired him to take up a career in mental health nursing. After some thought, Julian met with the Assistant Director of Nurse Education in Derby at the time where he secured a place on a three-year training programme from 1986 to 1989.
Once qualified, Julian worked across a range of mental health services in Derbyshire, supporting people in both inpatient and community settings and participating in significant changes in how care is delivered. Over the course of his career, he has seen services move towards more community-based, person-centred support, with a greater focus on helping people to live well in their own communities.
Mark Powell, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Healthcare, congratulated Julian on reaching four decades in the NHS. He said: “Julian is a fantastic example of the dedication, compassion and professionalism shown by NHS colleagues every day. To give 40 years of service to mental health care is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly grateful for the difference he has made to patients, families and colleagues across Derbyshire.
“His commitment to providing high quality, compassionate care is clear in everything he does, and I am delighted that we have been able to recognise his outstanding contribution through this long service award.”
After initially retiring, Julian returned to work during the COVID-19 pandemic to support services at a critical time. Nearly six years on, he continues his semi-retirement while contributing to the Living Well Service.
Julian said: “I love what I do and that’s why I retired and returned. My main philosophy has always been to offer a service to our population that I would wish for myself and my family.”
He added that while services have changed significantly since he first began training, the importance of listening to people, building trust and providing compassionate support has remained constant throughout his career.
“Derbyshire Healthcare provides specialist mental health, learning disability, children’s and substance misuse services across Derby and Derbyshire. Its community mental health services continue to develop through the Living Well Derbyshire and Derby Wellbeing programmes, which bring together NHS, social care and voluntary sector partners to support people closer to home."
