Michael received early diagnosis thanks to our rapid access clinic, seeing neurological emergencies quickly

When Michael Morris started experiencing double vision, he thought it was just age catching up with him, and a new glasses prescription was needed. But when he got to the opticians and had an eye test, the results were far more serious.

The optician told the 53-year-old from Liverpool to head immediately to A&E as the test had revealed a neurological problem.

Michael said: “I initially thought it was my screen at work tiring my eyes out. But when the optician impressed upon me that it was something more sinister. St Paul’s Eye Unit referred me urgently to The Walton Centre for further investigations, via the rapid access clinic.”

The Rapid Access to Neurological Assessment (RANA) clinic sees urgent referrals from A&Es across Cheshire and Merseyside, who would otherwise be admitted and wait in hospital for a neurological appointment. Introduced shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic, this new pathway has reduced wait times for neurological patients, and also saved a significant number of bed days in neighbouring hospitals.

Michael continued: “A week after the A&E visit I found myself in The Walton Centre having further tests. The team was attentive and thorough, I didn’t feel like I was being rushed or just a number in the system. I really appreciated the care and attention. It was there my neurologist confirmed the diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis.”

Myasthenia Gravis is a rare long-term condition that causes muscle weakness. It most commonly affects the muscles that control the eyes and eyelids, facial expressions, chewing, swallowing and speaking. But it can affect most parts of the body. Once identified, the condition can be managed with medication.

Consultant Neurologist and Divisional Clinical Director Dr Anita Krishnan (pictured right) said: “A significant proportion of acute inpatient referral requests from our partner hospitals can be common neurological disorders ranging from new onset headaches and seizures, to functional disorders and sensory disturbance.

“Before RANA, many of these patients with new neurological signs or symptoms, would often be admitted to the hospital they reported to and wait for a visiting neurologist, who would assess them and, in most cases, agree next steps and discharge them. With RANA, patients who fit the criteria are referred immediately here. Then the appropriate assessment is carried out, usually leading to a diagnosis and further care.”

Michael added: “It’s the start of an ongoing relationship with my Neurologist and The Walton Centre. I’m managing my dosage with their help and I’m keen to know more about lifestyle choices that may be having an influence. I’m really grateful that it was discovered early and together we’re able to manage my condition going forward, maintaining my quality of life.”

If you want to know more about The Walton Centre’s neurological services and RANA, head to the website www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk.

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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