News

Neurosurgical Trainee Mr Ahmad Ali has been awarded a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Doctoral Fellowship, to continue vital research assessing the extent of cognitive problems suffered by patients with brain tumours, and exploring an exciting device that might help with cognitive rehabilitation. 

The fellowship, which will fund Mr Ali’s research for the next three years, will look into the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a non-invasive technique commonly used for depression and other neurological conditions. During his PhD he will use advanced MRI scans to gain a deeper insight into what underlies cognitive problems. 

Mr Ali said: “I’m honoured to be awarded this fellowship from the NIHR, and really delighted that I can continue research that addresses a real patient need. It's exciting to be able to explore a new use for this device and get a better understanding of cognitive problems."

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It is a safe and effective treatment option for various mental health conditions, including depression. If successful, the findings of this new research can potentially be extended to other neurosurgical patient groups. 

This fellowship is one of the first to be awarded to a clinician at The Walton Centre, and one of few to be awarded in Liverpool.

The Walton Centre’s Deputy Chief Executive and Medical Officer Dr Andrew Nicolson said: “It’s so important to support research, and just as importantly, the people driving the research such as Mr Ali. I am pleased that research such as this is being done here at The Walton Centre, which will potentially go on to benefit a number of our patients in the future.”

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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 Top research fellowship awarded to neurosurgical trainee looking at cognitive solutions…

The Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network (CMRN) is launching an innovative new competency framework, which aims to enhance nursing skills in a complex rehabilitation setting.

Focusing on sixteen domains, the Nursing Competency Framework in Specialist Rehabilitation encompasses key skills relevant to specialist clinical areas. Areas covered range from neurological and respiratory care to psychological and mental health care. Each domain has three levels of competency, from competent to highly specialised and is designed to meet the training needs of all non-registered and registered members of the nursing team.

CMRN Manager Angela Harrison said: “The network is a collaboration between our commissioners and our partner organisations which provide a high-quality patient rehabilitation service.

“Continued education and training is a key priority for the network, and the framework is an excellent example of this, and it also recognises the ongoing complexity of the nature of our patients.”

CMRN, hosted by The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, includes seven inpatient units across the region, with 103 beds. Each unit is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, combining specialist healthcare workers with dedicated rehab environments.

Assistant Chief Nurse for Neurology and Rehabilitation at The Walton Centre Sarah Flynn said: “I’m really excited to be launching the framework for the healthcare staff in the network! There are 16 core domains which staff will be able to work through, recognising the knowledge and skills required for complex rehabilitation care. It highlights the important work our nurses do to support patients recovering from traumatic injuries.”

The British Society of Physical & Rehab Medicine (BSPRM) Standard says that 30-45% of nursing staff working in rehabilitation should receive specialist training. The framework was created to match this standard for our healthcare population.

Chair of the BSPRM Educational Committee and Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine Dr Fahim Anwar said: “This framework is more than just a training tool — it’s a way to support and empower the nursing teams and wider MDT, giving them the skills and confidence to provide the best possible care for their patients.

“Rehabilitation nursing is a highly specialised field, and this framework reflects the network’s commitment to ensuring that every nurse and healthcare assistant has the training, knowledge, and support they need to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.”

CMRN Clinical Lead and Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine Dr Ganesh Bavikatte said: “Implementing the Framework is a great way to raise the profile of the Rehabilitation Nurse and HCA and to support nursing staff and teams in evidencing and further developing competencies across key domains to support our patients and families as part of the rehab MDT."  

CMRN Ward Manager Julie McKiernan said: “A lot of our patients are very complex, and it’s not just one discipline that can look after them and help them get better. We all have to work together as a team to get the best outcomes for our patients. I’m delighted that we have been able to work together to get this competency framework online to enhance the specialist nursing on offer.”

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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 Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network launch specialist Nursing Competency Framework…

Twenty years ago, Pamela Griffiths from Rossett near Wrexham, was waking up after celebrating finishing her exams, when she discovered pins and needles in her legs and a lack of feeling. Over the coming days, visits to her GP and A&E couldn’t explain the issues, until a referral to The Walton Centre was suggested. With further testing and initial suspicions suggesting it was a tumour, Pam’s clinicians later confirmed a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It cannot currently be cured, but there are treatments that can slow the progression of MS and help ease symptoms. This depends on the type of MS and the symptoms; relapse and remitting, secondary progressive and primary progressive.

Pam said: “It was a shock when they told me, but also a little bit of a relief to get a definitive answer for the symptoms I was experiencing at the time. I remember two members of staff called Fiona and Helen held my hand afterwards. The numbness and fatigue had begun to massively impact my life, both personally and professionally. Relapses can be a huge disruption.

“The last one was about six years ago, which mean I lost the use of my left leg, and I was in so much pain. But thanks to the ongoing support from The Walton Centre, I was able to get back on my feet again after six months.”

Pam, now 51 and working as an animal care assistant, wants to stay as active as possible and keep working.

She continued: “Work have been incredible, and I do as much as I can despite my symptoms trying to slow me down. Since diagnosis, The Walton Centre has been incredibly supportive. I can call the nurse advice line when I’m worried about my condition, and they actively involve me in new treatments or trials.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Pam was furloughed. To keep busy, she took up painting. She said: “The pandemic was difficult, mainly because I lost my mum at the same time. I was determined to stay positive. I remember one day I saw a rerun episode of Bob Ross on TV, they must’ve put them on for people stuck in isolation. So, I bought a load of art supplies and started following his lessons.”

Before long, Pam was designing her own artwork, which friends encouraged her to make into cards they could use for different occasions.

Pam said: “It was at this point that I noticed The Walton Centre had its own charity and wondered if my new art hobby could be put to good use! I started painting winter and Christmas scenes and turning them into festive cards that I could sell to raise money to donate to the charity.”

Last year, as part of The Walton Centre Charity’s Christmas Campaign, Pam contributed over £175, meaning much needed support for the hospital’s home from home relatives’ accommodation.

Pam added: “I’ve had amazing support from The Walton Centre over the last 20 years. Through the tough times and the relapses, the team have been there to help guide me through it the best way possible. For that and more, I just had to give back in my own way, and I’m so pleased that my artwork can contribute to the hospital.”

The Walton Centre Charity is celebrating 10 years of having the home from home relatives’ accommodation this year, find out more and support the charity here:  https://www.thewaltoncentrecharity.org/Appeal/home-from-home-10

 

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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 Two decades of specialist care inspires patient to fundraise with artwork…

The Walton Centre has launched a new video charting the course of a complex surgical procedure to improve awareness and support patients undergoing brain tumour treatment.

Awake craniotomy, the featured procedure, is a specialised operation offered to select patients where critical brain areas must be protected during tumour removal. This technique allows the neurosurgical team to monitor patient responses while navigating sensitive brain structures, ensuring optimal preservation of function.

Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Farouk Olubajo, who led this initiative in collaboration with The Walton Centre Charity, explains: "An awake craniotomy can initially seem daunting to patients, which can complicate treatment decisions, as operating in certain brain regions while the patient is asleep can significantly increase risks. During an awake procedure, patients experience no/minimal pain, yet we can effectively test crucial brain functions, such as speech or mobility, before tumour removal.

"This educational video serves as an excellent resource for patients to understand the procedure and set clear expectations. Working with our charity to enhance our awake craniotomy service in this way has been particularly rewarding."

A recent review of the service found that 100% of patients who had an awake craniotomy had a positive experience, emphasising feeling empowered during surgery. The average length of stay has decreased significantly compared to procedures performed under general anaesthetic.

Norman Larkin, 74, from Liverpool (pictured right with wife Linda), was experiencing cognitive problems when returning home from holiday last year. Shortly after speaking to the GP, a scan revealed a glioblastoma in his brain.

Norman said: “We had just come back from a holiday, and when we were in the taxi going home, I realised I couldn’t remember my address. I thought it was tiredness, but I subsequently found I was struggling to finish the crossword or remember familiar names.

“I made an appointment to see my GP who carried out various tests, but was unable to identify the issue though he believed it to be cognitive decline. Luckily, I have doctors in the family who insisted on my seeing a consultant geriatrician at a private consultation. As a result, I had an urgent MRI scan.”

The scan revealed a glioblastoma in Norman’s brain, he was then referred immediately to The Walton Centre, where an awake craniotomy was suggested to preserve cognitive function.

Norman continued: “The procedure was fully explained to me, and I had the opportunity to ask questions beforehand - I was fascinated, unusually I wasn’t nervous for a second.

“I was so impressed by the quality, friendliness and professionalism of every member involved in the operation. The team were excellent in letting me know exactly what the process involved and the type of testing that they did during the procedure.

“Thankfully the operation was successful and very interesting. I was awake for a large part of it answering questions, though I only remember a small part of this.

“Having watched the patient video the hospital and charity have launched, I think it’s interesting and informative for patients about to undergo the procedure. I had confidence in my clinical team, and felt assured that they would look after me, I cannot thank them enough.”     

You can watch the video on the hospital’s Neuro-oncology service page here: Neuro-Oncology Department

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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 New charity-funded video launched to improve awareness of awake brain surgery…

While Liverpool sleeps, The Walton Centre remains a hive of activity around the clock. We join colleagues on the night shift to discover what happens at the hospital after dark.

8pm – Senior Nurse Lisa Branch-Curtis from the Surgical/Medical Acute Response Team (SMART) meets with the Bed Manager Julie Amos and Ward Manager Amy France to discuss the handover from day to night. The team also meets to allocate resources across the Trust.

9pm - SMART catch-up to discuss the best plan of action for the night ahead

9.30pm – Radiographer Lisa Thomas reviews activity before leaving site. She is on-call overnight, ready to receive patients to scan or image at any time. 

10pm – On Lipton Ward, Registered Nurse Renchi Joseph makes sure patient documentation is correct during lights out.

10.30pm - Healthcare Assistant Jake Jackson has to monitor a tracheostomy patient throughout the night. Sometimes our clinical staff will be assigned to one patient because the complex nature of their condition needs constant supervision.

11pm – The clinical team in Horsley ITU are turning a patient to ensure they do not develop pressure sores during the night.

11.30pm - Sisters Julie Jones and Anna Cameron review monitoring readouts by torchlight on ITU, so as not to disturb the day/night cycle for sleeping patients.

11.30pm – In Theatres, the on-call team responds when a patient needs an emergency surgery to drain excess blood from a haematoma.

1am – A Porter is on duty throughout the night. Andy takes patients for scans, as well as retrieves equipment and supplies needed for patient care.

2am – Neuroanaesthetic Registrar for ITU Dr Ravindra Rahangdale works with the ITU nursing team to manage a patient’s treatment and care.

3am – Dr Rahangdale discusses cases with Neuroanaesthetic Registrar for Theatres Dr Shavikal Megha-Raj.

5am – Security Officers are present 24/7, ensuring staff and patients are safe. Garry regularly walks the building perimeter making sure the site is secure.

 

Read Feature - The stars come out at night…

“Analogue to digital” and “tilting to tech” are phrases that have found their way into recent headlines about the NHS. At The Walton Centre we have a significant digital and data-enabled transformation programme underway, to deliver services that work for patients and staff including managing the basics, optimising systems, and transforming services.

Chief Digital Information Officer Matt Gardner explains how this works in practice, “We’re putting patient engagement first, and making ‘IT’ work for staff. Working with colleagues ensures our plans meet their needs. “We’re currently focusing on delivering technology that will improve how our staff order, request and view lab results, how we use referral systems and digital dictation to streamline workflows, and how we adopt advanced data capabilities to help us plan and manage our services. “We’re also collaborating with our partners on the use of digital and data to deliver excellence in neuroscience, and for patients who are under the care of multiple healthcare providers, as well as working with partners on an electronic patient record for Liverpool.”

Putting patient engagement first

Keeping in touch online

In today’s digital world, we know a lot of our patients want to receive news about their appointments and treatment online. The DrDoctor online system, which The Walton Centre has been using since March 2024, has helped us to manage our outstanding appointments and communicate with some of our patients via text message. Since July 2024, patients have also been able to request to reschedule their appointment via this service. In conjunction with DrDoctor, we were the first specialist Trust to go live with appointment notifications through the NHS App. Since we went live, we have decreased the number of patients who don’t attend their appointments from 11% to 6%, saving clinic time and ensuring we can refill those slots with on the waiting list. The app also shows outpatient letters, and we plan for clinic letters to follow in due course.

Being prepared

Currently, ahead of planned surgery, patients have to come into the hospital to complete a clinical screening questionnaire. We are working on an online system which will send this questionnaire out to patients via text message, alongside regular text reminders. This will save patient and staff time, reduce anxiety and the cost of travelling and ensure any issues are picked up well ahead of the planned surgery.

Making “IT” work for staff

Over the summer the Digital Services Team held a series of staff engagement events to gather information about the key IT issues affecting them, from the big to the small. We remain focused on delivering brilliant basics.

Having the right hardware, at the right time, in the right place

Devices on wards to support clinical treatment and care, and for staff corporate use, need to be purchased, installed and maintained. The Digital Services Team met with Ward Managers to map out the patient journey and identified the best devices to support this now, and to aid planned improvements in the future. We’re also acting on feedback from other clinical areas and will be engaging with our colleagues again soon.

Frictionless access

Staff can struggle to remember multiple logins for different systems and often have to contact Digital Services to reset passwords. Single Sign-On eliminates the need for this, saving staff time which means more time focused on patient care. We are also raising awareness of our self-service password reset tools.

Getting connected

We’ve invested significantly in our infrastructure, but there is always room for improvement through our wireless network and mobile signal in spots across the Trust. Staff and patients have had challenges connecting to our services when on site. We’re working on upgrades that will result in easier access.

Electronic patient record (EP2) improvements

We are committed to improving our in-house and external digital systems to help us deliver outstanding care. Most recently we upgraded our digital sepsis tools to help us improve identification and treatment of the sickest sepsis patients. Next, we’ll be focusing on the ep2 patient timeline, enabling staff to access other clinical systems whilst in eP2, and enhanced search functionality. We’ve also been working on a project to digitise all our current paper case notes, to ensure all records are viewable digitally, improving patient experience, clinical decision making and compliance.

Ward boards

Every ward has a limited display of patient information to enable and support patient flow for inpatients. However, the need for confidentiality and limited data presented is inhibiting best use of these boards. The Digital Services Team is meeting with key ward staff to develop new ward boards in line with local and national standards to ensure the most effective and efficient management of the patient journey.

Read Top Tech - how The Walton Centre is enhancing staff and patient care…

Since the age of 14, Jo Price from Ruthin North Wales has lived with migraines. When an episode strikes, Jo becomes immobile, unable to move her head without intense stabbing pains, they can affect her speech and can make her vomit. By her 20s, Jo was being struck down regularly with migraine attacks, taking days to recover each time, and be looked after by others.

Jo, now 38, said: “I missed so many key events in my life because of migraines and struggled to hold down a job at times. The fear of losing employment due to my condition became a huge worry for me, creating a vicious cycle of stress and regular migraines.”

Ten years ago, Jo was researching further support for her chronic condition and discovered The Walton Centre’s headache service – one of the biggest in the UK.

She said: “Finding The Walton Centre was like finding a lifeline. The experience I have here is like a breath of fresh air! It’s become a game-changer. The clinicians truly understood what I was going through in a way I’d never experienced before. I appreciated my GP’s efforts, but general knowledge of migraines only goes so far. At The Walton Centre, I finally felt heard, validated, and supported by experts who knew how to help me take control of my condition.”

Initially, Jo’s migraines were being treated with nerve blocks and Botox medication. But when Jo decided to try to start a family, the treatments which improve her migraines would have to change. The Trust’s dedicated headache team worked with Jo to safely adjust her medication and create a plan that balanced managing the episodes of migraine with her goal of becoming a mother.

Jo continued: “I felt empowered by the team that I could manage my medication and try to start a family safely. I knew that some of my medication could work against my efforts to start a family, so having expert guidance and reviewing my treatment was excellent. I’ll never forget the moment I found out I was pregnant – I was overjoyed. Thanks to The Walton Centre’s expert guidance, something that once felt impossible became a reality.”  

Since then, the team have supported Jo with further treatment. Thanks to monthly Ajovy injections to further reduce instances of migraine, Jo was able to launch her own behaviour consultancy business, working with neurodiverse children and their families.

Jo said: “I took the plunge and became self-employed. It was nerve-wracking, but I’m so glad I did. I can manage my workload effectively, and because of the outstanding support from The Walton Centre, I’m able to do more, and pursue the career and family life that I want.

“Living with chronic migraines is more than just dealing with intense pain. It’s a lifelong disability that affects every aspect of life—your relationships, your career, your mental health. Society still doesn’t fully understand the toll it takes, and that needs to change.

“If there’s one thing I hope my story can show others, it’s that there is hope. At my lowest points, I couldn’t see a way out. But with expert care and perseverance, things can improve. Chronic migraines may always be part of my life, but I now know they don’t have to control it.”

Find out more about our headache service here: Headache service

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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

Read 'The Walton Centre helped me to start a family by managing my chronic migraines'…

What is your job role?

I’ve been at The Walton Centre now since 2013, starting as a Junior Operating Department Practitioner and I am now the Lead for Education, Risk and Governance in the theatre department. Further to this role, I am also the President of the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP), a national organisation, for the next two years.

The AfPP are a charity and the largest members association of perioperative practitioners in the UK, with over 6000 members. We write the standards, guidance and audit tools for Operating Theatres, are part of national and international perioperative bodies, and are a core member of the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) alongside the Royal Colleges.

What made you choose to do the job you are in?

I have always loved education and working with students, and this is something I have done throughout my career. Considering this, it was fateful that when I joined The Walton Centre, a pathway into education became available. Alongside this, I have a passion for Human Factors and System Thinking, and I think that is what led me towards taking on a risk and governance role when it became available. It’s a very niche role, but I am one of the few that really enjoy policy writing, incident reviews and CQC inspections… no I really do!

In terms of the AfPP presidency, I have always been a member, and became a trustee a few years ago. This led me to apply to be president and be voted in. It’s very much a once in a lifetime role and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.

What is the favourite part of your job?

At the Trust, it has always been working with students, I find it hugely rewarding helping them develop throughout their training, and seeing them qualify as Operating Department Practitioner’s. I also enjoy donning my metaphorical deer stalker and pipe, as I’ve said previously, I am one of the few who really enjoys reviewing and analysing incidents and developing safer systems.

What’s the most rewarding experience you have had in your role?

We have made a name for ourselves at The Walton Centre for turning around so called 'failing' students, and there is nothing more satisfying than helping to get a student back on track with the support of the incredible team of mentors I have in the department. Most students simply need to find a 'home', a career where they feel like they belong, and benefit from a more person-centred approach to being taught. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing them qualify!  

What is the best advice you have received at work?

To err is human, to forgive is divine, but to failing to learn is inexcusable.

What/who is your biggest motivator at work?

There are challenging days in theatre, where you’re feeling pressure from a number of different sources, but the team I work with pulls together to get the job done for the patients we care for. I couldn’t ask for a bigger motivation.

What is on your bucket list for this year?

As part of my role with AfPP, I am attending two international conferences over the next year or so, one in Boston, and another in New Orleans. I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, so visiting is one off the bucket list

We have also just bought a new house, so the roof not collapsing would be nice too.

With regards to Theatre, we have been through a tough year and seen a lot of change. I just hope we have a great 2025 and continue to build on the already incredible work we do for the patients we care for.

Read Spotlight on Oliver Tierney, Operating Department Practitioner…

There have been a number of points in Sheila Longo’s life where Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) has reared its painful head. From severely damaging her wrist and lower arm in a canoeing accident in California in 1998, to seriously injuring her leg and ankle in Italy in 2015, CRPS has added delay and more pain to her recovery.

Four years ago, the 80-year-old from Northumberland was officially diagnosed with CRPS at The Walton Centre, where she has been a patient ever since. Sheila worked hard to stay active and manage her condition where possible, but her chronic pain became more and more unbearable, especially when her dog died last May. Talking with her pain specialist at the specialist neurosciences Trust, it was suggested Sheila tries the OASIS programme.

Designed by the hospital’s Pain Management Programme (PMP), OASIS is aimed at older patients who may struggle with other, more intensive programmes offered at the Trust, addresses issues they have with pain, but in conjunction with comorbidities and other factors which may otherwise make traditional pain management difficult to follow. 

Sheila said: “I was delighted that I qualified for this course. The exercises and support I had had previously from the hospital were great, but I was seriously struggling even with everyday life.

“I started the eight-week programme in early September and it covered physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological therapy. The pace was excellent, and it was really helpful to meet other people who were in the same chronic pain boat as myself. There was a huge amount of information to absorb, but I really enjoyed it immensely, and feel I have learnt innumerable coping mechanisms in dealing with my chronic condition.”

OASIS is a new initiative by PMP, aiming to cater for a cohort of patients that may otherwise not fit into other pain management courses easily.

Dr Katie Herron is a Consultant Psychologist and co-runs the programme, she said: “In creating this programme, we found there were fewer opportunities for peer support for older patients, and they are in a different stage of life to younger patients. This work has meant a patient group that was otherwise missing out on useful management techniques are now benefiting. The feedback has been incredible so far, and we’re seeing an increase in interest.

“What’s crucial with this group of patients is adaptability. We make sure that the tasks and skills we give them are manageable, so they can continue to practise them at home and in their local community. It’s honestly one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever worked on.” 

Since finishing the course, Sheila has been more active. She said: “Now two months on, I have a lot more energy, feel much happier and am engaging with the outside world far more. I have been working in the garden, going to concerts and my WI group, and am back on the Social Committee of our local church.

“I feel very fortunate to have been on the OASIS programme, as it has certainly given me a new lease of life, and now that I have methods to manage my chronic pain, I have decided to befriend it!”

For more information on PMP, head to the web page: Pain Management Programme

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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 X, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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

 

Read Unique pain programme helps elderly get back on their feet…

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, the UK’s only hospital to specialise in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services, has been reaccredited with the Investors in People Gold award.

Investors in People is the international industry standard for people management, testing organisations against a rigorous framework for best practice in the workplace. The specialist Trust is one of a handful of NHS organisations to earn the IIP Gold accolade with the latest version of the standard. The Walton Centre is the only NHS Organisation to be recognised for having both this accreditation and gold accreditation in health and wellbeing for staff.

Chief Executive Officer Jan Ross said: “I’m delighted that for another year we have secured this prestigious award from Investors in People. It’s a testament to the hard work of staff across The Walton Centre and the fantastic culture we have created, the award marks us out as a centre of excellence for our staff.

“The assessors commented on the dedication of teams across the organisation, and the supportive friendly culture that they found. This award is a reminder that The Walton Centre is a safe and caring environment for our patients to be treated in.”

The detailed report from the assessors described staff in all job roles being motivated to deliver the highest standards and that they are driven by the hospital’s values: pride, dignity, respect, caring and openness.

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate The Walton Centre. Gold accreditation on We invest in people is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places this specialist NHS hospital in fine company, with others that understand the value of people.

“We believe that the success of The Walton Centre begins and ends with people. If we make work better for everyone, we make work better for every organisation.”

Investors in People works with 15,000 organisations across 75 countries to improve and maintain high standards of work environments for staff across a range of industries.

-Ends-

 

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 X, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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

 

 

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