A specialist mental health nurse from North Derbyshire has been honoured with a prestigious award recognising four decades of unwavering dedication to the National Health Service.
Four Decades of Compassionate Care
Angela Richardson, who works within the Mental Health Liaison Team at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was presented with her 40 Years' Service Award by chief executive Mark Powell. The ceremony acknowledged her longstanding commitment to patient care and her remarkable contribution to the Trust's mission.
From Paper Records to Modern Psychiatry
Angela's remarkable NHS journey began in September 1985 when she started as a student nurse in Learning Disability services, training at Whittington Hall during an era when all medical records were meticulously kept on paper. She qualified in 1988 after successfully passing the rigorous State Final Exam and completing four placement-based assessments, subsequently working for nine years as a staff nurse supporting individuals with profound disabilities.
In 1997, Angela transitioned 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. Her career progression continued when she joined the Hartington Unit in 2000, advancing from staff nurse to ward sister within just two years, before moving to Liaison Psychiatry at Chesterfield Royal Hospital in 2003, where she has now provided dedicated service for 23 years.
Reflections on a Transformative Career
Reflecting on her four-decade career, Angela shared: "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 transformations during her time in Liaison services, noting: "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."
Patient-Centred Philosophy
Driven by her patients and committed to providing exceptional care in everything she does, Angela explained: "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."
Trust Recognition
Mark Powell, chief executive of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, congratulated Angela on reaching this significant milestone, stating: "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."
