Colleagues in The Health Informatics Service (THIS) will bid a fond farewell to a long-standing colleague and friend on Friday, as their Director of Information, Julian Bates, will be retiring.

Julian has worked for the NHS for more than 30 years, and 25 of those have been with THIS. Julian’s career at CHFT began in the Finance Department at Acre House in Lindley.

Head of Business Intelligence, Sam Ingram said: “Julian has been instrumental in the development of information services including the achievement of HIMSS AMAM level 6 in 2024.

“He has been a valued colleague to many over the years, always ready to assist, advise and provide expertise.

“Our THIS Staff Awards will not be the same without Bingo-Lingo Bates and his fabulous poetry with the memorable ones being from Covid and our Adoption Model for Analytics Maturity (AMAM) work. We’ll also miss mentions of his little red Micra – he loves talking about his car wherever he gets the chance, usually at Work Together Get Results sessions!”

Assistant Director in Finance, Helen Gaukroger, has known Julian since 1998, and shared her wishes saying: " I'm wishing you the happiest of retirements, enjoy all the adventures ahead! I will miss you"

Julian’s plans include heading off on a world tour visiting India, Australia and New Zealand (on any dates coinciding with key cricket events!)

The THIS Staff Awards are still open for nominations, so if you know a talented techie, or a helpdesk hero, why not nominate them for an award? Staff Awards - Home