Innovation at The Walton Centre

Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant (VERA)

VERA is a mobile digital portal that has been co-designed by patients, their carers, clinicians, digital developers and researchers to enable patients who are receiving neurorehabilitation to undertake personalised activities and exercises outside of their usual therapy sessions to increase their rehabilitation activity. The initial prototype was developed through support from The Walton Centre Charity.

The first research study looked at the acceptability, usability and feasibility of VERA in an inpatient rehabilitation setting as well as identifying barriers and enablers for implementation. This study funded by the Stroke Association As most rehabilitation is community-based, the project team are in the process of securing NIHR funding to support a second study to evaluate its use in a community setting. Key partnerships include Citrus Suite (locally based technology developer), University of Central Lancashire, Liverpool John Moores University and the Innovation Agency

Headache Chatbot

Working in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services Ltd we developed an innovative artificial intelligence based chatbot to support the triage of headache patients resulting in reduced waiting times and enhanced experience. It will enable advice and support to be provided to patients whilst waiting to attend their initial consultation appointment and more effective use of the appointment time through the additional information concerning the patient’s symptoms and conditions captured in addition to the GP referral. Following completion of the initial proof-of-concept phase, the project is progressing into its second phase to operationalise and trial the prototype and integrate into patient access systems.

Consequences of Head Injury Acquired in Trauma (C.H.A.T)

The Walton Centre is working with The City of Liverpool College to develop a virtual reality interactive software educational tool aimed at young adults to increase awareness of the consequences of head injury. The software is being developed by the college students who are studying Level 3 and degree level in games development as an industry partner project. The project is in its exploratory phase with the aim to have a prototype by October 2023.

Electronic Routine Nutritional Screening Tool (ERNST)

ERNST is an app-based screening tool for detection of under and over nutrition. It enables patients at risk of malnutrition and obesity to access appropriate care and treatment more efficiently and consistently. The initial prototype has been developed and inpatient research trial undertaken at The Walton Centre supported thanks to funding from The Walton Centre Charity. We are in the process of applying for NIHR i4i funding to support second research trial across wider range of medical conditions in partnership with LUHFT and going through CE mark accreditation process as is classed as a medical device.

Circada

The Walton Centre was identified as a pilot site for a feasibility trial of Circadian lighting (locally based SME company) to investigate its suitability for intensive care staff and patients by assessing whether the technology had the potential to provide health and wellbeing benefits. Potential patient benefits include improved health and wellbeing through improvement in sleep, increased alertness and reduced delirium. The reduction in delirium could also result in a potential reduced length of stay on ICU enabling a more efficient transfer of patients onto the ward areas. If the trial is successful, potential future opportunities include further trials and research studies in other clinical areas, as well as implementation of the lighting system in ICU and other inpatient areas.

Spinal Improvement Partnership (SIP)

The Walton Centre is a longstanding user of the Spine Tango Registry, resulting in a database of spinal implant usage and outcomes dating back to 2013. Following Board approval, a Spinal Improvement Partnership with NEC Software Solutions UK Ltd was developed. The process for extracting the data from the clinical outcomes team database has been trialled and is now ready to be tested. The process of assessing fusion has been trialled and is also ready to be tested. An initial pilot of the service is currently being undertaken with the first batch of reports from Medtronic in order to validate resource assumptions and costing model.

Neuro VR Simulator

The Neuro VR Simulator enables experienced surgeons to develop the latest techniques and advance their skills and trainee surgeons to practice safely. The Walton Centre’s simulator is the only one in the UK. There is an aspiration for Trust to become a national hub for simulation-based training in neurosurgery, benefiting patients across the country.

Trans-cranial MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRGFUS)

At the end of 2021 The Walton Centre became the first centre in the north of England and the second in the UK, to offer an incisionless treatment for people living with Essential Tremor. Eligible patients receive one Focused Ultrasound treatment to reduce the tremors on one side of their body. Current regulatory approvals demonstrate good clinical durability, with tremor relief maintained at three years. The innovative technology was developed and implemented by Insightec, who worked closely with The Walton Centre to deliver this new treatment. The Trust has so far delivered MRGFUS treatment to over 45 patients with excellent outcomes.

Liverpool Citizens

A collaboration of local organisations across the city that are dedicated to working together for the common good (e.g. health, religious, housing and education) to build people power to lead change in their community. It aims to develop leaders and strengthen organisations to enable change. The Trust has become a founder member to enable the organisation to realistically engage with the local community to ensure we focus on the genuine health priorities of our local population.

Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter

The Charter is about making the region the fairest, most equitable place in the country to work or run a business with commitment to provide safe and inclusive workplaces, fair pay, hours and future, and independent staff voice. The Trust has achieved aspiring status and is working towards accreditation.

NHS Veterans Aware Accreditation

In line with the Armed Forces Bill, from April 2022, healthcare organisations are required to ensure that members of the armed forces community are not disadvantaged when accessing health care services. The Trust has been awarded Veterans Aware Accreditation, recognising our status as a forces-friendly employer. The Walton Centre has also signed up to the Step into Health’ careers pathway where members of the Armed Forces community can connect to the NHS and provides a dedicated pathway into an NHS career. The Trust has also achieved the bronze level of the Employer Recognition Scheme

Access to Exercise and Wellbeing Services

Through working in partnership with the Neuro Therapy Centre, Greenbank Sports Academy, Brio Leisure, Parkinsons UK, Active Partnerships, MS Society and Merseyside Sports Partnership this expands exercise and wellbeing services tailored for people who have a neurological condition into the community. Lottery funding was secured to support the three-year project. There are two research studies led by Sheffield Hallam University: a study of the three-year programme as well as a specific study of the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Cycle Bike intervention element. Through engagement sessions with Walton Centre Nurse Specialists and Therapy Teams there is a streamlined, centralised referral portal for patients and clinicians.

Everton in the Community (EitC) Health Zone Development

Following the relocation of Everton Football Club to Bramley Moore Dock a purpose-built health and social facility is being developed for people with a range of health issues but with a focus on dementia. Work is ongoing with clinical divisions to identify potential service offer and meetings being held with EitC to identify joint working opportunities from existing and future service offers.

Prevention Pledge

The Prevention Pledge consists of a set of commitments which NHS organisations pledge support to achieve action on improving population health with a specific focus on prevention measures, for the benefit of staff, patients and the wider community. The framework is underpinned by 14 ‘core commitments’ that NHS providers are expected to work towards as a means of formally adopting the Pledge. The commitments have been developed through consultation with representatives from provider trusts, NHSE&I, local authority public health teams, Public Health England, and third sector organisations.

Social value

The Trust has signed up to the Regional Charter with the Cheshire and Mersey Health and Care Partnership and the Integrated Care Board and are currently working towards achieving the Award and Quality Mark Level 1.

Anchor institutions

An Anchor Institution Group has been established at The Walton Centre to monitor and oversee the delivery of the three delivery workstreams: developing and implementing a Net Zero plan, achieving the Social Value Award and Quality Mark and the Regional Prevention Pledge agenda.