News

A new study has shown that a clinical tool developed by the University of Liverpool and The Walton Centre can accurately predict whether the most common type of brain tumour will grow or cause symptoms, helping doctors and patients make better-informed decisions about care.

Meningiomas, which account for around 3,500 new cases in the UK each year, are often discovered by chance during brain scans. While most never cause harm, some eventually require surgery or other treatment. Until now, it has been difficult to know which patients will be affected, leading to years of unnecessary monitoring for some and delayed treatment for others.

Researchers developed the IMPACT tool in 2019 based on data from around 400 patients under neurosurgical care at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool. The tool considers the patient’s comorbidities, functional status and imaging characteristics of the tumour, to work out the risk of tumour progression, and need for treatment. The tool has now been tested on more than 1,200 patients from 33 hospitals across 15 countries, with follow-up periods of up to 15 years. The results showed that patients could be reliably grouped into low, medium, or high risk of tumour progression.

Low-risk patients were found to have only a one in twenty-five chance of needing treatment, while the risk was one in four for medium-risk patients and one in two for those in the high-risk group. Most progression was seen within the first five years, while older or frailer patients were found to be very unlikely ever to require treatment.

Study lead, Consultant Neurosurgeon at The Walton Centre and Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Liverpool, Michael Jenkinson said: “It’s important that now we test the IMPACT tool in real-time with patients in clinics, with funding being sought to bring it into routine practice. The ability to offer personalised care will bring not only health benefits to patients but also cost savings to the NHS and wider economic growth.”

The findings suggest that high-risk patients may benefit from early intervention, medium-risk patients should continue regular monitoring, and many low-risk patients could be safely discharged with advice on what symptoms to look out for.

Dr Abdurrahman Islim, study co-lead, former Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and currently a Neurosurgery Registrar and PhD Fellow, University of Manchester & Salford Royal Hospital (part of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust), said: “This study is an important step forward in personalising care for people with meningiomas. For the first time, we can give patients with an incidental meningioma clear answers about their individual risk, helping avoid unnecessary scans for some, while ensuring that others get timely treatment.”

The paper, ‘A Clinical Tool to Identify Incidental Meningioma for Early Outpatient Management’, was published in JAMA Oncology (DOI:10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.4821).

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Notes to editors

Further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the Communications Team at The Walton Centre on 0151 556 3397 or wcft.communications@nhs.net

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services. Although the majority of patients come from Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire and the Isle of Man, for some specialist treatments of complex disorders we see patients from all parts of the country, referred by their GPs or other neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain clinicians.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. The independent regulator of all health and social care services in England published its rating on Friday 21 October 2016, following announced and unannounced inspection visits to the Trust in April 2016.

For more information please visit: www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk or follow the Trust on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7LJ
0151 525 3611 

 

About the University of Liverpool

Founded in 1881 as the original ‘red brick’, the University of Liverpool is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive higher education institutions with an annual turnover of £708.3 million, including an annual research income of £163.1 million. 

Now ranked in the top 150 universities worldwide (QS World Rankings 2026 and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 ), we are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of the UK’s leading research universities and have a global reach and influence that reflects our academic heritage as one of the country’s largest civic institutions.

The latest UK rankings of circa 130 institutions have placed the University of Liverpool at 18th (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025), 22nd (2026 Guardian University Guide), 25th (Daily Mail University Guide 2025) and 23rd (2026 Complete University Guide) nationally.

Read New tool helps predict which brain tumours will require treatment…

We were proud to celebrate The Walton Centre’s sensational staff at our 2025 Staff Celebration and Awards, which took place in September at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool.

Almost 400 staff members attended the event to celebrate their colleagues, with eight awards up for grabs.

Chief Executive of The Walton Centre, Jan Ross, said: “It was great to see so many teams coming together to share in each other’s successes and amazing work.

“They are a credit, not only to The Walton Centre but to the whole NHS. On behalf of myself and the rest of the Board, I want to say thank you, for everything they do, from the big to the small, the pioneering to the day-to-day. I couldn’t be prouder to be the Chief Executive of this amazing hospital.”

Thank you also to our sponsors; The Walton Centre Charity, Apogee, DrDoctor, Hill Dickinson, ISS, RIWOspine and Kendra, who helped make the event possible.

Our 2025 staff awards winners are...

• Above and Beyond – Clinical: Anne Jammes and Gary Walsh, Brain Tumour Therapy Coordinators
• Above and Beyond – Non-Clinical: Madeleine Fletcher, Head of Fundraising
• Excellence in Education and Learning, and Research and Innovation: Oliver Tierney, Clinical Lead for Education, Risk and Governance, Theatres
• Team of the Year – Clinical: Theatres
• Team of the Year – Non-Clinical: Medical Records
• Rising Star: Andriyana Natsevska, Healthcare Assistant, Cairns Ward
• Patients’ Choice Award: Mr Matthew Stovell, Consultant Neurosurgeon
• Chief Executive’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacqui Isaac, Trauma Therapy Co-ordinator and former Staff Side Chair

Read Staff Awards 2025: a sky full of stars…

A band from North Wales have marshalled a huge community effort to get behind a fundraising single in aid of a specialist Liverpool neurosciences hospital which saved the life of one of their friends.

The band, Idle Lies, were inspired to create the single after The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust cared for their friend Daniel Parsonage of Connah’s Quay, who developed a life-threatening brain haemorrhage last summer.

His recovery is still ongoing, but to show their thanks, friends in the band have recorded a Christmas single, with all proceeds going to support The Walton Centre Charity.

Songwriter and guitarist Sam Leonard, also from Connah’s Quay, said: “After speaking with Dan’s family, we wanted to do something to help The Walton Centre for the amazing care they gave him. He wouldn’t be here with us this Christmas without them.

“The huge offers of help we’ve had from the community have been amazing, with local schools, businesses, and people with personal connections to our cause all pulling together in support of what we’re doing.”

The single, Next Christmas You’ll Be Home, was recorded at Liverpool’s iconic Motor Museum studio which has played host to greats such as Oasis, The 1975 and Jake Bugg.

As well as singer Ewan Smith, from Wrexham, the song also features the vocal talents of children from Holy Name Catholic Primary School in Fazakerley.

Head of Fundraising for The Walton Centre Charity, Madeleine Fletcher, said: “What Idle Lies have done is nothing short of incredible! The single is amazing, and we are blown away by the response from communities, not only in North Wales, but in Merseyside too. We are extremely grateful to be the benefitting charity and the support this will provide to our staff and patients.”

Back in July, Dan had been at the Hawarden Festival preparing for a performance by members of the Urban Fusion street dance group he had taught, when he collapsed. The specialist neurosurgical team at The Walton Centre performed two urgent operations to get the bleed under control and ultimately save Dan’s life.

Support has come from across North Wales and Liverpool, including local Member of the Senedd for Alyn & Deeside, Jack Sargeant, who said: “Next Christmas You’ll Be Home tells an inspirational story of friendship and courage. Daniel’s friends are showing us the power of community, bringing people together to raise funds for the hospital that saved Daniel’s life. 

“I encourage everyone to get behind this campaign, buy the song, and share it widely. It’s a beautiful tribute to Daniel and to all those whose lives have been touched by The Walton Centre.”

Damien Mathews from Holy Name Primary School said: “Holy Name is incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to take part and lend our voices to Idle Lies’ brand new Christmas Charity Single. 

“Our students had an unforgettable experience working alongside such talented musicians and contributing to a project that spreads both joy and hope. We are so proud of our pupils for the enthusiasm, effort and heart they brought to this special project. It has been a wonderful opportunity for them to see how music can bring people together and make a difference.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Idle Lies for inviting us to be part of this meaningful collaboration. The experience has created lasting memories for our students and reminded us all of the true spirit of Christmas. Community, compassion and creativity. 

“We encourage everyone to listen, share and support this fantastic cause.”

The single is available to pre-order  by using this Link and proceeds will go to The Walton Centre Charity.

 

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Photo: Members of the band Idle Lies with the pupils from Holy Name Primary School at the Motor Museum recording studio

For more information about the single, please contact Paul Cook on 07734771924 or at paulcook59@yahoo.com

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Further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the Communications Team at The Walton Centre on 0151 556 3397 or wcft.communications@nhs.net

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services. Although the majority of patients come from Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire and the Isle of Man, for some specialist treatments of complex disorders we see patients from all parts of the country, referred by their GPs or other neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain clinicians.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. The independent regulator of all health and social care services in England published its rating on Friday 21 October 2016, following announced and unannounced inspection visits to the Trust in April 2016.

For more information please visit: www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk or follow the Trust on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7LJ
0151 525 3611

Read North Wales band Idle Lies launch Christmas single to raise funds for The Walton Centre Charity…

It’s Occupational Therapy week and to highlight our fantastic OT teams, where showcasing how they support patients, in the hospital and beyond…

Acute Neuro inpatients

The Acute Occupational Therapy service strives to ensure that treatment at The Walton Centre means quality of life and extends beyond meeting a patient’s immediate medical and surgical needs. The team comprises of therapists and therapy assistants which provides specialist support across the Acute wards. We care for patients with cancer, spinal injuries, vascular conditions, neurological conditions and traumatic brain injuries. We deliver holistic assessments and expert discharge planning to help patients regain independence and establish safe, effective pathways out of hospital, to support the best recovery for our patients as well can.

 

 

Inpatient specialist rehabilitation

Our Occupational Therapy team works across the Hyperacute and Complex Rehabilitation Units, supporting inpatients with highly complex presentations - from PDOC and specialist seating to wide-ranging cognitive changes. These presentations are life changing and mean long hospital stays, we are passionate about making every day meaningful. We run engaging groups and adapt therapy creatively, offering experiences like animal therapy, visits from the Liverpool Philharmonic, and collaborations with an art resistant (with thanks to The Walton Centre Charity). Working closely with families and the wider MDT, we strive to enrich lives, promote recovery, and support everyone’s unique journey.

 

Specialist community services

Occupational Therapists in the Community Specialist Rehabilitation Teams use an interdisciplinary approach to work towards an individual's personalised goals in their own homes and communities.

We consider how people are impacted in function to then determine what is important and meaningful for them in their daily lives. We do this through assessment and goals focusing on cognitive, physical, visual and emotional needs, to maximise their potential to return to functioning in their day-to-day life. Examples include personal care, meal preparation, gardening, cooking and everything in between.

Patient feedback:

“If I did too much I was exhausted for 3 days, I’ve realised I need to pick what I want to do and get used to what I can do”

Individual following a brain injury working on managing their levels of fatigue through activity scheduling so that they could participate in meaningful activities

“Your confidence in what I can do, gives me the confidence to do it, and I can!”

Individual working on getting dressed and going on the bus by themselves following a brain injury

“Instructions and things I was asked to do were daunting at first but were well paced which helped my anxiety and also helped me to not be impatient”

Individual working on daily activities and walking outdoors

 

Vocational rehabilitation

We are Occupational Therapists specialising in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). We are based in the Community Specialist Rehabilitation Services working as part of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).

As OT's our unique skills in understanding person/environment/occupation interactions make us perfectly suited to supporting an individual’s return to work.  We consider the critical link between work and health, highlighting how good employment supports wellbeing, reduces health inequalities and prevents poverty.

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists is instrumental in promoting VR through the expertise of Occupational Therapists (OT’s), who play a vital role in facilitating individuals, return to meaningful employment after health-related challenges.  

Patient feedback:

  “I would have really struggled with my work situation if the VR specialist had not helped me. They helped me correspond with the managers and eventually managed to secure me a contract as a retail assistant in a local shop. I am very happy with my work situation now”

“One of my goals was to return to work. VR has been in contact with my employer and between us all we have devised a plan of a phased return to work. VR has always been available when needed to give advice and practicalities surrounding my job”

 

Long-term conditions

We are a small team of 3-4 OT’s working in outpatients. We work with a vast range of neurology patients with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, and varying neuromuscular conditions. We tend to utilise a behaviour change approach within our clinics, empowering individuals to understand their condition and adjust their routines to facilitate them to engage in occupations of self-care, productivity and leisure.

 

 

 

Brain tumour coordination team:

One half of the Brain Tumour Therapy Coordinator team is an OT by background – this brings skills in holistic assessment including the ability to assess and manage cognitive and psychological difficulties caused by a brain tumour, or the effects of the treatment used to treat the tumour. We can promote optimisation through the patient pathway including in the last weeks and months of life, to maximise quality of life and ability to live life with as much meaning as possible.

 

Pain management programme:

We are passionate about our role in supporting individuals with chronic pain to live a meaningful & value driven life.

As part of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), we play a pivotal role as Occupational Therapists in assessment and directing patients for the right support whether that be one of our programmes, outpatient clinics or signposting to appropriate services.

The Occupational Therapy team help people with persistent or chronic pain to manage their day-to-day activities, helping them to consider, reconnect and problem solves ways of engaging in work, rest or play activities that are important to them. Some of the sessions focus on setting personal targets with a strong focus on applying pacing and activity management strategies, helping individuals to explore potential barriers and problem solve to make positive changes. Sessions also focus on developing techniques of mindfulness and how this can help them to be aware of their body and mind within the present moment.

 

Pain Management Programmes (PMP)

The Walton Centre offers a variety of pain management programmes tailored to individual needs. The programmes we offer are group-based rehabilitation treatments, that enable an understanding of chronic pain and its wider impact on life, as well as their readiness for change and support. This can be offered to support working towards a program through 1:1 work. We offer support and guidance to help people with chronic pain manage pain more effectively, and in doing so, help improve their overall quality of life. Patient needs are central, giving them access to MDT input on one programme, as well as meeting others who live with pain, supported by having OTs facilitate group discussions, helping them to reflect on their learning and progress.

Occupational Therapists work across the main 15-day programme and deliver group-based therapy for a significant amount of the content over three days a week for five weeks. We also deliver content in the more specialist programmes that we run for young adults, facial pain, pelvic pain, older adults (Oasis) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome groups.

Post Pain Management Programme

Due to the longevity and chronicity of pain individuals who attend a programme, we also have MDT input following their taking part. This involves group sessions after three and six months to establish how they have maintained change following the programme, and give them some guidance to continue to overcome any challenges which OT play a vital role in. We also offer booster sessions for people that have completed a PMP, but may be struggling post six months with some of their strategies, enabling them to be reviewed by the team and give more individualised support.

More recently, Occupational Therapists on the programme have identified more specific and specialist needs for further support for people around work & employment needs and established a work and employment clinic, which is 1:1 work to explore reasonable adjustments, potential work roles or to support with communicating their pain condition to their employer. We have also recently started a return-to-work group for people living with pain. Returning to some form of employment helps individuals to capitalise on their PMP strategies and improve their confidence and motivation.

 

Head injury advanced clinical practitioner

Head Injury Advanced Practitioner (ACP) is a specialised healthcare professional who plays a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing, and managing patients following traumatic brain injury.

The role includes:

• Assessment and diagnosis
• Clinical Management
• Collaboration
• Education and training
• Research and quality improvement
• Patient and family support

Overall, Head Injury ACPs play a vital role in trauma settings, using their advanced clinical skills to optimise care for patients with traumatic brain injuries.

 

Rehabilitation coordinator/Single Point of Contact roles within the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network

Two of our rehabilitation coordinators are OTs, bringing specialist expertise in coordinating complex, patient-centred rehabilitation pathways.

They use skills in complex communication and negotiation, working closely with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a seamless rehabilitation experience. As the Single Point of Contact, they provide specialist assessments, triage referrals, and facilitate patient flow across services.

Collaborating with the wider multidisciplinary team, they deliver comprehensive assessments and develop individualised rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Strong advocates for patients and families, they guide access to both internal and external support services, ensuring continuity of care from admission through to discharge, supporting each person to achieve the best possible outcomes on their rehabilitation journey.

Read Occupational Therapy Week 2025…

At the beginning of August, Lynn, 64, from Liverpool, experienced a loss of feeling down one side of her body. Here is an account of her experience of stroke, and the care she received from The Walton Centre and Aintree University Hospital…

“I had been out with my daughter all day, we went to see my granddaughter dance in a show. It was a completely normal, great day. But when I got home, I was putting clothes away when I just lost feeling in my leg and fell against the bed. I looked down at the hand that I had put out to stop my fall, and I couldn’t register that it was mine. Luckily my grandson was still in the house, so I shouted for help and we went to Aintree University Hospital.

“I was having various tests and everything was moving quickly. They told me I’d had a stroke, and I just didn’t believe them. I couldn’t understand that what I was feeling, or actually the lack of feeling I was having, was because of a blood clot in my brain. After all the assessments they said I needed to have a thrombectomy at The Walton Centre.

“I don’t remember much, but I woke up with a bandage on my groin where they had put the catheter to reach the clot. Again, it was unbelievable that they had gone through an artery in my groin to remove something so far away up in my brain!

“Since having a stroke, I’ve met others who have had them. It was while speaking with a man who had had four strokes that I accepted what had happened to me. I vividly remember when I was a little girl I saw my granddad have a stroke, there was very little they could do for him at the time. Because of that, I had a very specific idea of what a stroke should look like, but of course I was wrong – there are so many ways it can manifest and cause problems.

“I think it’s important to highlight these experiences during awareness days and weeks, because the more visible it is, the more people may take notice, and be ready if the time ever came that they, or a loved one, was experiencing a stroke. I feel very lucky that I have these two amazing hospitals almost literally at my doorstep. Acting quickly meant that my stroke was sorted in good time, and I’m very thankful for that, as I know for others it isn’t always the case.”

Read World Stroke Day 2025…

Earlier this year, 48-year-old David Ellis from Liverpool discovered he had lost feeling down the right side of his face. Following investigations in Accident and Emergency, scans revealed a high-grade tumour in his brain.

David said: “I went to A&E because I thought I was having a stroke. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it was a brain tumour. To say I was devastated would be an understatement. However, I was reassured by the speed with which I was assessed by the clinical team at The Walton Centre and scheduled for my operation.”

Shortly after his referral, David's specialist team recommended an awake craniotomy, due to the tumour's location being close to areas involved with speaking and understanding. This procedure involves a patient being awake and alert during surgery to test functions like speech, memory, or mobility. This allows the surgical team to ensure that only cancerous cells are removed, preserving vital healthy brain tissue.

He continued: “When they suggested an awake craniotomy, I really wasn’t sure. But when they explained it was the safest way to remove the tumour while protecting my speech and memory, I agreed. I was nervous, but watching the patient information video reassured me. Every staff member was so supportive and understanding: they helped me feel ready.”

David underwent the awake craniotomy in the summer, during which the team successfully removed the entirety of the visible tumour. He has since completed a course of radiotherapy at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, and to date, the cancer has not returned.

For David’s procedure, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Hannah Jones-Reynolds assessed his speech and language using a variety of tests. She also supported David in his recovery afterwards. She said: “It’s incredibly important for brain tumour patients having awake craniotomies that function is preserved. I always feel honoured when I can support a patient in and out of surgery, and give them the best possible care despite having an often life-altering condition.”

Consultant Neurosurgeon Farouk Olubajo said: “It’s vitally important to us here at The Walton Centre that patients get the best treatment we can offer when they need it most. With awake craniotomies, having that real-time feedback from the patient on the areas of the brain I am working on is crucial to preserving their function and keeping them safe.”

Reflecting on his experience during International Brain Tumour Awareness Week, David said: “Looking back over the last 18 months, I realise there were crucial signs I missed which could have led to an earlier diagnosis. One time I was in a meeting and just couldn’t speak, and another time I fell in the road and could not get up easily. They seemed like minor blips at the time, but I should have known then to get checked out.”

“I feel incredibly lucky that The Walton Centre was able to remove the whole tumour and give me the best chance possible. The whole experience has inspired me to support others going through similar situations.”

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Notes to editors

Further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the Communications Team at The Walton Centre on 0151 556 3397 or wcft.communications@nhs.net

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services. Although the majority of patients come from Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire and the Isle of Man, for some specialist treatments of complex disorders we see patients from all parts of the country, referred by their GPs or other neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain clinicians.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. The independent regulator of all health and social care services in England published its rating on Friday 21 October 2016, following announced and unannounced inspection visits to the Trust in April 2016.

For more information please visit: www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk or follow the Trust on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7LJ
0151 525 3611

 

Read Liverpool brain tumour patient calls for greater awareness of early symptoms…

Professor Michael Jenkinson, Consultant Neurosurgeon at The Walton Centre and Sir John Fisher / RCS England Chair of Surgical Trials at the University of Liverpool, has received the Vilhelm Magnus Medal, often described as the ‘Nobel Prize of Neurosurgery’.

Awarded by the Norwegian Neurosurgical Association, the medal was given to Professor Jenkinson in recognition of his efforts to improve neurosurgical treatment outcomes, particularly in the field of neuro-oncology and clinical trials.

Professor Jenkinson said: “I’m delighted to receive this prestigious accolade. Over the course of my career, I’ve always strived to ensure patients are supported with the treatment and intervention they need at the time they need it most. The Vilhelm Magnus Medal has been given to some incredible neurosurgeons in the past, so it’s amazing to be able to stand among them.”

Past recipients include Professor Peter Hutchinson for his work on traumatic brain injury, and Professor Sir Graham Teasdale, the creator of the Glasgow Coma Scale.

Professor Jenkinson has led many clinical trials that impact patient care to this day. Most notably, he was co-chief investigator on the NIHR funded BASICS trial (The British Antibiotic and Silver Impregnated Catheters for ventriculoperitoneal Shunts randomized controlled trial) that showed antibiotic catheters reduced the infection rate from 6% to 2%, saving £135,000 per infection. Antibiotic shunts are now standard of care in UK neurosurgery.

Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive of The Walton Centre Dr Andy Nicolson said: “Receiving the medal is a testament to Professor Jenkinson’s determination and skill in delivering excellent patient outcomes. Research he has led has changed not only the lives of his and his colleagues' patients, but future brain tumour patients. This medal further cements his legacy in the history of neurosurgery.”

Professor Jenkinson received the medal at the Norwegian Neurosurgical Association’s annual meeting being held this week.

President of the Norwegian Neurosurgical Association Consultant Neurosurgeon Professor Sasha Gulati said: "Professor Jenkinson has been honoured with the Vilhelm Magnus Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication and important contributions to the field of neurosurgery. Renowned for his ability to identify clinical equipoise, Professor Jenkinson continues to push the boundaries of neurosurgical research. While his achievements are already remarkable, we are confident that his journey is far from over—and that even greater accomplishments lie ahead."

 

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Notes to editors

Further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the Communications Team at The Walton Centre on 0151 556 3397 or wcft.communications@nhs.net

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services. Although the majority of patients come from Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire and the Isle of Man, for some specialist treatments of complex disorders we see patients from all parts of the country, referred by their GPs or other neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain clinicians.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. The independent regulator of all health and social care services in England published its rating on Friday 21 October 2016, following announced and unannounced inspection visits to the Trust in April 2016.

For more information please visit: www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk or follow the Trust on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7LJ
0151 525 3611  

Read Walton Centre Neurosurgeon receives prestigious award…

In 2021, Demi Morris, from Wrexham, was 17 when she was working her way through her final A-level exams when she suffered a bleed on the brain. Rushed to The Walton Centre for lifesaving surgery, the initial procedure was deemed too risky, reverting to an open brain operation instead.

It was discovered that Demi had an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), which is a tangle of blood vessels in the brain or on the brain surface. This causes blood to bypass the usual network of vessels and flows directly from arteries to veins. Demi’s AVM ruptured massively, causing haemorrhaging.

Demi said: “I’d just finished an eight-hour shift at the chip shop I worked at near home with a bad headache. I blacked out and woke up in intensive care at The Walton Centre. I couldn’t believe it, but I understand now how bad it was. The bleed was described as catastrophic.”

The surgical team at the specialist neurosciences hospital attempted to embolise. This procedure is where a catheter is used to deliver special materials like medical glue or particles into the abnormal vessels. This blocks blood flow to the AVM, reducing its size, helping to protect against bleeding, but this was deemed too risky. After monitoring, the team decided to perform a bifrontal craniotomy in order to excise the AVM. 

Demi said: “The operation took 12 hours, but ultimately they were able to remove the AVM. I was able to recover and go back to college to complete my A-levels. At this point I had already been inspired to pursue a career in nursing. I was blown away by the level of care and professionalism I received at The Walton Centre.” 

Fast-forward to the summer of 2022, Demi had a check-up scan, which revealed the AVM had returned.

Demi continued: “I was on a family holiday when I got the call from the hospital to return as soon as possible. We cut the trip short and came to The Walton Centre the next day. I was devastated, but I knew it was something that could happen.”

Demi’s clinicians ruled out further surgery owing to the risky area of the brain her AVM was in. The Trust referred her for stereotactic radiosurgery at Sheffield Teaching Hospital. The procedure involves targeted therapy which could significantly reduce or even eliminate the AVM and risk of it returning.

Demi said: “This procedure involved having a metal frame drilled to my head. The frame is crucial to the treatment and forms the basis for accurately identifying the position of the AVM. It was cumbersome wearing a metal frame for 13 hours at a time, but ultimately, they eliminated the AVM. I’m so grateful!”

Now, Demi has completed her nursing degree at Wrexham University, and has taken up a nursing post on a surgical ward. She said: “I’d rather not have had something like an AVM happen to me, but the big positive I’ve taken from it is that it’s inspired me to become a nurse. I feel so proud to have achieved my goal of completing my nursing degree. I would love to work in neurology one day. I want to care for people who are going through what I have experienced.

“I also think it’s important to show people that there is life after brain injury. That, despite setbacks, you can do anything! I will be forever thankful for the care I received at The Walton Centre. It literally changed my life.”

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Notes to editors

Further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the Communications Team at The Walton Centre on 0151 556 3397 or wcft.communications@nhs.net

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services. Although the majority of patients come from Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire and the Isle of Man, for some specialist treatments of complex disorders we see patients from all parts of the country, referred by their GPs or other neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain clinicians.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. The independent regulator of all health and social care services in England published its rating on Friday 21 October 2016, following announced and unannounced inspection visits to the Trust in April 2016.

For more information please visit: www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk or follow the Trust on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7LJ
0151 525 3611

 

Read Lifesaving care from The Walton Centre inspires Demi’s nursing career…