News

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust will feature in a fascinating documentary series over the next eight weeks, about neurosurgery at the specialist hospital this autumn.

In 'Trauma Room One' viewers will see patient stories from cutting-edge robotic spinal surgery to urgent stroke interventions, all led by leading staff at the specialist hospital. The series starts on Wednesday 25 October until mid-December.

Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Dr Andy Nicolson said: “When we were initially approached to take part in the series, we wanted to make sure that viewers got an insight into what goes on behind the operating theatre doors. To see, not only the incredible skill of our experienced neurosurgeons, but the multidisciplinary approach our whole team brings to patient care. From the nursing and therapies teams, to the scrub nurses and operation department practitioners, everyone’s hard work is visible in this gripping series, and I couldn’t be prouder of the service they provide to our patients.”

The series features robotic spinal surgery, used to improve precision during procedures and reduce operation time which can enable patients to recover quicker. The Walton Centre is the leading hospital in the UK using robotics in this way to treat patients. The series also highlights the 24/7 thrombectomy service for stroke patients, which was introduced two years ago, a first in the north west.

Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Farouk Olubajo features in the series, he said: “It was an odd experience at first having the camera crews in. But soon enough they became a part of everyday life in neurosurgery! They have covered some fascinating procedures, that can really transform a patients lives, so I’m hopeful that viewers will get a real insight into what goes on day-to-day here at The Walton Centre. Our theatre department are outstanding, and I’m glad their hard work will be there for people to see.”

Executive Producer of Renegade Stories Livia Simoka said: “We wanted to really lift the lid on the extraordinary neurosurgery that was happening at The Walton Centre. It’s been an amazing project, working with some inspirational NHS staff to record thoughtful and at times emotional patient stories.”

The first episode airs 9pm on 5Star and My 5 Wednesday 25 October.

 

Read Cutting-edge neurosurgery revealed in extraordinary national documentary series…

Staff from The Walton Centre, alongside implant manufacturers Abbott UK, have cycled nearly 120 miles to deliver medical implants carbon neutrally. Starting in Solihull, the team picked up spinal cord stimulators, after being transported via electric car, to The Walton Centre for use in future procedures.

The delivery, spanning two days, was to highlight how The Walton Centre is optimising operating theatre lists as part of the hospital’s plans for a greener future.

Sustainability Lead for the hospital Craig Stanton said: “Here at The Walton Centre, we’re really trying to look at all aspects of the outstanding services we provide, and see how we can make them more sustainable.

“While we won’t be able to have fully carbon neutral lists just yet, we will be able to improve elements of these processes to make them environmentally friendly. Following the successful decommissioning of our nitrous oxide plant and the use of Desflurane, we’re piloting anaesthetic masks that use no plastics, a green theatre checklist as well as recyclable consumables and theatre wear, which will be used before, during and after operations to ensure we’re doing things sustainably.”

Lead Operating Department Practitioner, David Phillips joined the team of cyclists delivering the implants to The Walton Centre, he said: “It’s really important to us as a department and wider hospital that we try to improve sustainability across the board. We’re looking at how we use disposable items in theatre and how we can recycle them efficiently or switch to something more sustainable.

“Being able to provide these implants to patients carbon neutrally is incredible – this is where we should, as a hospital, be heading, to ensure a greener future.”

 

 

Read Spinal implants arrive at The Walton Centre net zero in a bid to improve sustainability…

The Walton Centre is the latest NHS Trust to join the Gloves Off campaign, which aims to reduce the use of non-sterile disposable gloves for non-infectious patients. This International Infection Prevention Week 2023, the hospital is focusing on good hand hygiene – which is also very effective in preventing infection.

Training for patient-facing staff, encouraging them to risk assess when to use gloves appropriately, has begun.

Interim Chief Nurse Nichola Martin said: “It’s a big change for many of our clinical staff as this is an engrained behaviour from when you start training to be a nurse. But it’s important that we don’t rely on gloves or use them when they are not required, as they can actually increase the risk of cross contamination and spread of infection.

“Clean, bare hands are better for our patients and staff, rather than the potential over-reliance on gloves, which can lead to not washing or gelling your hands as regularly as you should.”

Reducing reliance on disposable gloves also has a positive environmental impact as part of the hospital’s sustainability plans. A reduction in reliance on gloves can also improve hand hygiene vigilance and reduce skin issues staff may experience from overuse.

Head of Infection Prevention and Control Helen Oulton said: “As well as supporting staff to make this change, a big part of the campaign is educating our patients on when they can expect staff to wear gloves. To support this, we have created posters that will be put up in patient areas around the Trust, outlining the different scenarios.”

Do you know when gloves should be off?

Here’s how our clinical staff will use disposable gloves when interacting with patients:

Gloves on:

·        When in contact (or risk of contact) with blood, body fluid or broken skin

·        When in contact with chemical hazards such as disinfectant 

·        Where a patient is infectious or showing signs of infection

Clean, bare hands that are washed regularly with soap and water or using alcohol hand rub are just as effective as gloves in these scenarios: 

Gloves off:

·        Taking patients’ blood pressure, temperature etc.

·        Examining or touching a patient 

·        Assisting a patient with food and drink

·        Giving vaccinations

·        Administration tasks near a patient (e.g. answering the phone, using the computer) 

·        Moving a patient’s belongings

·        Tidying the bedspace

Read The Walton Centre joins the ‘Gloves Off’ campaign to improve infection prevention and support a greener future…

Since the beginning of 2023, Non Executive Director Irene Afful has been working closely with the hospital to push forward community and health equality. Here she talks about her role, and the importance of women from ethnic minorities having a voice:

I have worked in the public sector for the majority of my career, mainly in policing. One of my ambitions was to develop my skills as a non-executive director in public services. I was particularly keen to join the NHS, particularly in relation to bringing my skills and experience in public sector working and particularly in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion as I was aware of issues within the health sector in this regard and I wanted to give something back, using my skills and experience to support the NHS. I was particularly drawn to The Walton Centre because family members and friends had received amazing treatment at the hospital, and I wanted to support the hospital in advancing quality of care, patient outcomes and addressing inequalities in access to services, as well as enhancing the experience of diverse staff.

Women from ethnic minority groups are a minority within a minority and can be overlooked in diversity initiatives. Focusing on Black women is particularly close to my heart as I belong to this group and our voice can often go unheard. Having an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of Black women and focusing on their achievements is so important and gives us a voice. It also recognises the unique challenges of intersectionality.

It has been an honour to be able to contribute my skills and experience to enhancing the governance at The Walton Centre, to improve outcomes for patients and staff. In essence, to be able to give something back. Some of the challenges I have faced have been to understand the structure of NHS systems and governance arrangements. It has been a bit of a baptism of fire, but I absolutely love my role. I think some of the achievements have been in terms of community engagement and connecting the hospital with community groups which often can be overlooked when developing engagement initiatives. Liverpool Citizens is a fantastic opportunity to enhance this. I’m learning and developing every day and hope I am making a positive contribution.

I would say it is a fantastic opportunity to use your skills and unique experience to give something back. It is hard work and quite demanding in terms of time commitment and understanding the world of the NHS, but it is so rewarding and well worth the investment.

Take action! The time for just talking is over. Policies and processes have their place, but it is behaviour that underpins these. When issues arise, tackle them head on. We all have a responsibility to eliminate racism and leaders have the power to really drive change. It should be reflected in leadership behaviours on a daily basis. Support those staff who are brave enough to raise issues and ensure the culture is truly inclusive. 

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Research Nurse Sikhangezile Gwatikunda reflects on moving to the UK, and being a nurse in the NHS:

"I have been reading about the evolution of nurse education in Namibia for a couple of years now as part of my studies, and I must say this theme resonates with the struggles that the pioneer nurse educators went through to gain recognition and be permitted to provide formal training to those who wanted to be nurses. There had been scepticism and doubt as to whether they could make a professional nurse out of a school leaver. Today many African nurses have left the African soil to work in different continents and spaces and they are of course as professional as any nurse could be.  

The main challenge I have had is in communicating with colleagues and patients. I do have the advantage of having a good English language background, but communication is more than putting together words and phrases. I have had to learn to be more polite (though I was not aware before that I was coming across as impolite). It is still a challenge as all my life I have been more direct than is probably comfortable for some. I have learnt to keep the ‘whys’ to a minimum and to adjust the non-verbal cues accordingly. Other than that, my role is fantastic, and I enjoy what I am doing. I started off as a Band 5 and managed to move a band up within a year.

When you have recently moved to this country, as a nurse, then the NHS is a place to be. Inclusivity is not only promoted but it is LIVED. I want to exercise a little caution here and point out that I speak of The Walton Centre as I have no experience of the NHS elsewhere. You will be supported in your role, and you will not feel isolated.

I have noticed that micro-aggression might not be picked up easily by our leaders and it is always not easy to report all cases. I know it is safe to report, but at times one just pushes it aside because of just not having the time and energy. What I would suggest is that if the managers do sense or notice some of this, they turn the situations into ‘teachable moments.’ At times equity is just not well-understood."  

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Dr Shahd Hamid is one of our Consultant Neurologists here at The Walton Centre. As part of Black History Month, Dr Hamid talks about her journey and what led her to neurology:

“I'm thrilled to share the incredible journey that has led me to The Walton Centre! As a black Muslim Arab woman who migrated in pursuit of my dreams, I've overcome numerous obstacles to reach where I am today. 

“From a young age, I aspired to become a neurologist, researcher, educator, and a leader in the field. Leaving my family behind was undoubtedly difficult, but I was determined to find my own path and create a better future for myself and those who share similar aspirations. 

“I'm grateful for the warm embrace and supportive environment I found at The Walton Centre. Here, I've been fortunate to work alongside helpful colleagues and mentors who have profoundly shaped my growth and achievements. With their guidance, I've accepted every challenge with optimism and perseverance, never losing sight of my ultimate goal. 

“Now, as I stand on the brink of realizing my dreams, I feel inspired to pay it forward. My mission is to assist and empower others embarking upon the same path, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Together, we can break barriers and create a more diverse and inclusive medical community. 

“Join me in celebrating the power of resilience, representation, and the pursuit of excellence. Together, let's make a difference and inspire the next generation to reach for the stars!”

 

Read Celebrating Black History Month 2023…

The Walton Centre has become the first NHS hospital in the UK to use an innovative ‘tilt table’ for patients needing immediate rehabilitation, after an incredible fundraising campaign by The Walton Centre Charity.

The Erigo tilt table, provided by Summit Medical and Scientific, is an adjustable table that has robotic movement capability, designed to mobilise patients with circulatory, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions. Patients who come to the hospital for hyper acute rehabilitation will now be able to benefit from this new technology.

The new apparatus will be used by patients staying on Lipton Ward, the specialist Trust’s hyperacute rehabilitation Unit.

Complex Rehab Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead Emily Low said: “As the title ‘hyperacute’ suggests, patients can be transferred straight here from ITU conscious or minimally conscious due to their head injury, with or without breathing and feeding tubes, sometimes healing from broken bones and spinal injuries. In these cases, immobility is common due to their neurological damage, but can be made worse by changes in the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems. Theoretically these can be minimised or even in some cases prevented by early mobilisation.

“This fantastic new innovation will enable us to combine physiotherapy interventions and allow us to manage patients in different positions, controlling the amount of physical and environmental stimulation they experience. Most excitingly, the robotics in the table will allow patients to replicate a walking motion. We are also looking forward to utilising the table for further research into early rehabilitation in traumatic brain injury and with minimally conscious patients. Ultimately, we are committed to provide this small but very complex group of patients the best treatment available.

“I can’t thank all of the fundraisers enough for supporting this campaign. It’s going to make a huge difference to future patients needing intense therapy.”

James Gilbert and his family were inspired to fundraise for Lipton Ward last year, after recovering there after a bleed on the brain. He said: “For two months I was pretty much unable to move out of bed. But with help from the incredible physiotherapy team they were able to get me back on my feet again. I discovered that the charity had a fund for rehabilitation and that they wanted to purchase new tech for the ward, so I had to get involved. The family and I got to work and did a charity walk in the Cheshire countryside and drummed up support on social media, raising £16,000!

“The Lipton Ward team gave me so much, we all wanted to give back and show our gratitude. We are forever grateful for the hard work they put into making me well again.”

Head of Fundraising at The Walton Centre Charity Madeleine Fletcher said: “All of the fundraisers who contributed to the campaign to buy the new equipment are incredible people, and we’re so grateful for all of their support. Special mention to all of those who attended last year’s Jan Fairclough Ball too, which raised a large portion of the funds needed to purchase the equipment. Seeing James not only on his feet, but fundraising for the hospital is fantastic, and what he has contributed to will mean cutting-edge therapy for patients right at the beginning of their rehabilitation journey.”

-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 Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

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

Read UK first for charitably funded rehab table at The Walton Centre…

Dr Latha Rajan’s Patient Story

I have been suffering from migraine for nearly 37 years, although I was formally diagnosed about five or six years after I started getting the periodic headaches. The frequency and severity of the headaches steadily got worse over the years, and I found that the headaches were responding less and less to my usual pain killers.

I was referred to The Walton Centre seven years ago after the multiple prophylaxis, given by my GP, were not working and the attacks were affecting my work and personal life.

My headache diary showed that I could have migraine attacks lasting between 15-20 days a month, I was diagnosed as having chronic migraines.

The headaches and nausea would incapacitate me for days, and the disruption to my life was significant. Working full-time in a busy job as a radiologist, and having to deal with chronic migraines on top of this, was becoming incredibly challenging.

I went through a range of preventive treatments for years, at The Walton Centre, from regular medications to Botox injections with variable results. I also needed occipital nerve blocks a few times for very severe episodes when the pain was unrelenting, which did help in the short term.

Apart from a few close friends and family, I found it difficult to explain my prolonged migraine attacks to others.

About two years ago, after my second course of Botox injections, which seemed to be less effective than the previous one, I was offered the ‘Ajovy’ injections by my neurologist Dr Krishnan.

This new treatment has been a gamechanger for me. The monthly injections can be taken in the comfort of my own home and have significantly reduced my migraine days to three to seven a month. Also, when I do get a migraine, the intensity is much less and I could now recover in a matter of hours, rather than before, when it would be several days.

It drastically changed my life.

Before this treatment, I was on a cycle of work, migraine, painkillers, rest and more migraine. Most of my days used to start with either mild, moderate or severe headaches and I had almost forgotten what it is like to be able to plan the day ahead, free of the fear of ending up with an attack. I have been able to restart hobbies, catch-ups with friends, travel, take up running and hiking. I feel like I’ve got my life back.

I think chronic migraine is, unfortunately, underestimated and many people do not realise how much of a detrimental effect it can have on work, personal life and also the rest of the family. I know of people who have had to give up their careers because of the severity of the attacks.

I feel very grateful to have received the newer migraine medications and I think that referral to a specialist migraine service would benefit many more people like me who have been massively affected by prolonged migraine attacks.

Because sometimes migraine is not a headache.     

Carl Bradley, Headache Advanced practitioner

My role involves supporting our consultant team by reviewing and providing treatments for headache patients will all types of headache disorders. I have been caring for headache patients for the last ten years at The Walton Centre, during this time I have seen the development of many different treatments which have helped migraine suffers get their life back.

I enjoy making a difference and supporting patients along their treatment journey. The Trust has supported my development, enabling me to complete my MSc in advanced clinical practice incorporating a non-medical prescribing qualification. This enables me to prescribe preventative and acute medications which improves access to treatments for our patients and can reduce waiting times. I have learnt over the course of my time in this role that although we have many effective treatment options, there are also important things patients can do to improve their condition such as avoid regular painkiller use, avoid caffeine, and complete headache dairies so their management plan can be optimised.

Anthea's Migraine Story

Ever since primary school I can remember headaches affecting me quite regularly and, on talking to the teacher, I would end up having my ponytail taken out and tied up tighter. This response probably explains why I feel reluctant to discuss headaches and migraines to this day. The cause was initially put down to tension headaches and later, in my teens and early twenties, this progressed to ‘time of the month’ migraines.

Over the years the situation escalated to the point where working was a challenge, but wherever possible I carried on, again to avoid attracting attention. Even in retirement doing anything at all would always be accompanied by the ongoing struggle with migraine. At the doctor’s suggestion I was trying a variety of preventative medications, all without success. None of these were specifically for migraine and most of them had some sort of side effect that wasn’t particularly welcome. 

I had been aware of The Walton Centre and wondered if they could help me out in any way. Following my request to be referred, Dr Krishnan recommended Botox injections at the hospital, which were very effective, but again not specifically for migraines. The availability of Ajovy, developed for migraine and also administered at home, has been the best treatment to date. I’m expecting that migraines and general headaches will always be with me, but having an effective treatment plan make the situation easier to manage, and my quality of life is much improved.

Since my referral to The Walton Centre, I’ve been looked after really well and together with the advances in patient care for migraine and better access to treatment options, my own management of migraines and headaches has moved forward significantly.

I can remember when there were very limited options in terms of treatment and there has certainly been a great leap forward on the medical side of things which is good news for patients.  I think there is still a general feeling in wider society that having a migraine is the same as a very bad headache and it’s quite a challenge to change this perception, one that I hope Migraine Awareness Week will go some way to meeting.

 

Read Migraine Awareness Week - Latha's Story…

On Friday night (22/09/2023) we had the pleasure of hosting our 2023 Staff Celebration and Awards, to honour the fantastic work of our staff over the past 12 months. Our Chief Executive Jan Ross and Chair Max Steinberg CBE were joined by local legends, former professional boxer Tony Bellew and ex-Everton stalwart Alan Stubbs, both of whom have connections with The Walton Centre.

Staff received over 250 nominations across nine awards categories – more than double last year - including over 70 nominations for the Patients’ Choice Award, showing the enormous impact and depth of feeling staff have for their colleagues and our patients have for our staff. With so many entries, our judging panel had an incredibly tough job this year.

Our 2023 Staff Awards winners! A massive congratulations and well done to:

Above and Beyond – Clinical

Laura Parker, Ward Manager, Complex Rehabilitation Unit 

Above and beyond – Non-clinical

Steve Holland, Head of Estates

Excellence in Education and Learning, and Research and Innovation

Dr Selina Johnson, Pain Specialist Physiotherapist 

Improving Patient Impact

Dr Kerry Mathews, Clinical Psychologist and PMP Lead

Team of the Year - Clinical

Neurophysiology Team

Team of the Year – Non-Clinical

Neurosurgery and Neurology Operations Teams

Patients’ Choice Award

Cathy Stoneley, Neurovascular Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Employee of the Year

Charlotte Lawrence, Speech and Language Therapist and Abigail Hayes, Lead Occupational Therapist

Chief Executive’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Professor Andrew Brodbelt, Consultant Neurosurgeon

Chief Executive Jan Ross said: "The Walton Centre would be nothing without our staff and the fantastic work they do, day-in, day-out to provide the very best care and support to our patients, their families and each other. I recognise every single person’s contribution to our very special Trust and couldn’t be prouder of all of their achievements. Thank you also to our sponsors: The Walton Centre Charity, Hill Dickinson, ISS and RiwoSpine."

-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 Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

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

 

Read Staff Awards 2023…

To recognise Bisexual Awareness Week 2023, our Equality and Diversity Manager Emma Sutton writes about her own experience with bisexuality and what it means to them today...

I have identified as bisexual since the age of 14. Bisexuality is defined as attraction to more than one gender. In my personal experience, however, when disclosing my bisexuality, people often to say "oh so you're attracted to both men and women?" and tend to forget that non-binary and gender fluid people exist. For this reason, in the past year or so, I've started to use the term pansexual. Pansexuality is defined as the attraction to people, regardless of their sex or gender identity. So, although the term bisexual does not specifically mean a person is not attracted to all genders, I personally like that the term pansexual often opens a conversation and feels more inclusive towards the trans community. In all honesty, I'm comfortable with and use the labels pansexual, bisexual and queer interchangeably or will quite often simply identify as "not straight".

I've been out at work, to those I've worked closely with, for about six years now. Although conversations initially (and expectantly) lead to some questions and curiosity, I've always felt this was done in a genuine and respectful way. I'm happy and proud to say that the only impact being open about my sexuality at work has had is in a positive way, in that I'm free to be myself around my work colleagues. I want to thank those staff, and you know who you are, for seeing me as a whole person, and for their acceptance of my sexuality as just another part of who I am - not a label.

On bisexual awareness day, as someone who is attracted to more than one gender, I thought I'd share some facts as well as some common experiences within the bisexual community.

In the Rainbow Britain Report 2022, which looks at attraction and identity in Britain, it found that just 53% of Gen Z identified as exclusively straight with 14% identifying as bisexual or pansexual. Other studies suggest that, of people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, bisexuality accounts for approximately 50% - you could argue that the B is the biggest letter in the LGBTQIA+ community!

Many people in the bisexual community, however, feel it is treated as the smallest letter and is often lost amongst the gay and lesbian communities. Hence the title of this story, which I’ve taken from the Netflix teen drama Heartstopper, based on graphic novels by Alice Oseman, where one of the main characters has to continually correct people, telling them he is bisexual when people assume, because he has a boyfriend, that he is gay. 

I've listed below some examples of common experiences of people who identify as bisexual:

·         Assumption of sexuality based on current/latest partner – bisexuality is my sexual identity regardless of my partner’s gender identity

·         Assumption of heterosexuality if you have children (this one isn't just for those of the bi community!)

·         Being called "confused", "greedy" or told to "pick a side"

·         Assumption that attractions to people of the same gender is "just a phase" or the opposite and that it's a "steppingstone" to coming out as lesbian/gay

·         Bisexuality in women, specifically, is often treated as an invitation by heterosexual men to ask about sexual details

·         Seen as more likely to be unfaithful in a monogamous relationship

·         People feeling that bisexuality requires "proof" or a history of relationships with more than one gender to justify its validity

·         The bisexual community can experience discrimination from both the heterosexual and LGBTQIA+ communities and can be seen as a threat or traitors to the cause of gay and lesbian communities

I'm lucky and grateful that the people I surround myself with are open, accepting and that, for the most part, my sexuality (regardless of the labels I use interchangeably) is accepted as a part of who I am. But this hasn't always been my experience, and often isn't the experience for many people who identify as bisexual. It can be a fight on all fronts to be acknowledged, let alone accepted in society, as bisexual.

I hope this story goes some way to raise awareness to the issues faced by the bisexual community and recognise the fact that bisexuality makes up a huge number of our LGBTQIA+ community. The research undertaken in relation to the Gen Z community suggests that many more of our younger generation are comfortable being open about their identity, and that should bring hope to all for the future of the LGBTQIA+ community.  

This story has also given me an opportunity to celebrate my identity, increase bi-visibility and be loud and proud about being "bi (or pan or queer or not straight), actually!"

 

Read “I’m bi, actually” - Celebrating Bisexual Awareness Week 2023…