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Top neurosurgeons at The Walton Centre have achieved the incredible milestone of 100 complex spinal operations using innovative robotic surgery. The surgical team passed the 100-mark this week, completing a spinal fusion, one of the procedures to use the technology at the specialist Trust.

The groundbreaking surgical robotic navigation system is one of the first of its kind to be used in the NHS, which the team began to use in October 2022. It allows surgeons to facilitate placement of spinal screws and interbody cages to an incredibly high level of precision. This enables patients to spend less time in theatre plus experience shorter recovery times.

The robot involves a rigid robotic arm, tracked and fully navigated by a camera, which is then programmed to follow a trajectory pre-planned by surgeons.

The system lends itself to minimally invasive procedures and can drastically improve accuracy in screw placement. This in turn can significantly reduce operating time, time spent in hospital and recovery times for spinal patients.

Chief Executive Officer Jan Ross said: “It cannot be understated how incredible an achievement this is, not only for patients, but for our staff too. In less than 18 months they have marked out the Trust as a leader in the UK in robotic spinal surgery, carrying out lifechanging procedures for our patients.

“I’m delighted with the progress we’ve made, and can’t wait to see the team innovate and enhance the service further for the benefit of patients across the North West, North Wales and the Isle of Man.”

Consultant Spinal Surgeon and Clinical Lead for Complex Spine Mr Martin Wilby said: “We’ve made great strides in spinal robotic surgery here at The Walton Centre. The whole surgical team has got behind this groundbreaking technology because they can see the benefits for patients. We’ve now seen firsthand how this innovative approach can improve the outcomes for complex spinal patients. I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve reached this milestone, now on to the next 100.”

John Bowden, 77, from Prestatyn North Wales, had surgery on his spine last year using the robotic tech. He said: “My sciatica has been painful on and off for the last couple of years. The pain got to the point where I was struggling to walk, so I had to get it sorted. Coming to have surgery at The Walton Centre was a quick referral. I felt the back pain stop immediately after I woke up from the operation. The surgical team were incredible, and the nursing team were second to none. Since the surgery I’ve been able to do a lot more than before. I’m able to stay on my feet for longer, which helps when I’m with the grandkids! It feels like I’ve got those years back, it’s changed by life.”

You can also see the spinal robot in action in Episode six of the series Trauma Room One on My5 here: https://www.channel5.com/show/trauma-room-one/season-1/episode-6

Read Neurosurgical team hits 100 case milestone in robotic spinal surgery…

The Jan Fairclough Ball, held in memory of the wife of our Charity Patron David Fairclough, saw an amazing £60,000 raised towards the hospital's latest appeal, to fund an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine.

An OCT machine uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and sends signals to your brain. The machine is so powerful that it can see through the different layers of your retina and capture detailed images of the structures inside.

Having an OCT machine on site would be a significant step forward for patients at The Walton Centre. It would provide more accurate diagnoses and better monitoring of eye conditions which are a part of many neurological conditions.

The 12th anniversary event, held at The Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, was hosted by TV presenter and radio broadcaster Steve Hothersall, with a welcome by the Fairclough family at the start of the evening, and a compelling presentation from Divisional Director of Neurology at The Walton Centre, Dr Anita Krishnan about the vital OCT machine.

Guests were treated to a delicious three course meal, during which they were able to bid in an on-line auction with lots including signed sporting memorabilia; as well as entertainment, fashion, food and sporting experiences. There was also the excitement and drama of a live auction after the dinner, expertly carried out by auctioneer Charles Hanson, a TV expert on BBC programmes including Bargain Hunt, Flog it and Antiques Road Trip. The evening ended with entertainment from the Shane Nolan Band, who brought a party atmosphere to the event.

Head of Fundraising Madeleine Fletcher said: “Thank you to everyone who made the Jan Fairclough Ball a success again this year. To the Fairclough family for their fantastic commitment to fundraising for The Walton Centre; our corporate partners A&B Engineering, Carpenters Group, Home Bargains and Philips UK – their support ensures we can maximise what is raised on the night.

“And, of course, thank you to all of our guests and supporters who attended and donated to this amazing campaign. With your help, our fantastic clinicians can enhance the service they provide for patients.”

For more information on the latest fundraising appeal, go to https://www.thewaltoncentrecharity.org/Appeal/oct-appeal

 

Read Jan Fairclough Ball raises £60,000 for The Walton Centre Charity’s latest campaign…

Professionals from a number of different backgrounds gathered at The Walton Centre in November to celebrate ten years of the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network (CMRN).

The CMRN, a collaboration of commissioning and provider partners, held a showcase event to highlight the different aspects of the network, with the theme ‘strengthening partnerships and collaborative working’.

A number of activities took place on the day, including a roadshow showcasing the work of the different teams, presentations and videos from recovering patients and interactive sessions.

The CMRN was set up ten years ago after it was recognised that by improving the trauma pathway in the region, a new collaborative pathway for patients with complex rehabilitation need, regardless of diagnosis, was required. A number of specialities are involved in the network, including medics, a range of therapists and nursing staff.

The CMRN is the first of its kind in England, providing a coordinated pathway of care from hospital to community, which can be accessed by patients at any point in their rehabilitation journey. The network is dedicated to specialist rehabilitation based on need, not diagnosis, following traumatic injury or illness.

During the event patients and staff with experience of the network shared stories and learning about how much the network has changed since it began. There were also interactive sessions, where visitors could experience activities such as art and animal-assisted therapy – both widely used in the network. 

Angie Harrison, CMRN Manager, said: ““It’s been fantastic to celebrate the network in this way! We hope that everyone who attended was able to take away something away from the event – be it an inspiring patient story or a way of working that can be applied to their area of work.

“The network is all about helping patients get the right treatment, rehabilitation at the right time and place, and ultimately as much independence as possible. Here’s to another ten years!”

Tony Newman, a patient, said of his rehabilitation journey: "From the minute I got there, it was amazing. All the staff were just fantastic. I knew I needed to be there. Everyone treated me with dignity. I couldn’t move at first, but we set goals and managed to hit them every two weeks. All the different departments referred me to the right community support. I’ve got a plan for my daily routine. I’m now able to walk with two walking sticks, still a little bit cautious, but I’m getting stronger every day.” 

For more information about the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network, go to https://www.cmrehabnetwork.nhs.uk/.

 

Read The Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network celebrates ten-year anniversary!…

During World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week we are celebrating our recent GAMSAS Level 3 accreditation, the Global Antimicrobial Stewardship Accreditation Scheme, and the first global accreditation scheme to focus on antimicrobial prescribing.

This accreditation is a testament to our organisation's commitment to antimicrobial stewardship and to our efforts to keep antimicrobials working for future patients. We would like to thank our staff, our patients, and our partners for their support in achieving this accreditation.

We are committed to continuing our work to improve antimicrobial stewardship and to protect the future of antibiotics.

 

Read Marking antimicrobial resistance awareness at The Walton Centre…

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust’s Pain Management Programme (PMP) has reached the incredible milestone of 40 years of service delivery. Since small beginnings in the sewing room of the old Walton Hospital in Fazakerley, the programme has delivered courses to thousands of patients with lifelong pain conditions, from chronic pain following injury, to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. In the last 20 years, the programme has seen over 15,000 patients.

Chronic pain affects 15.5 million people in England, 34% of the population, and is more common in areas of greater deprivation. Among young adults with chronic pain, the proportion with high impact pain rose from 21% to 32% between 2011 and 2017.

PMP Service Lead and Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Kerry Mathews said: “I’m so incredibly proud of our team and the amazing support they have provided to patients over the decades. From a handful of staff in the early 80s, to now – a 36-strong department comprising psychology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams is an incredible achievement.

“We serve a whole range of pain conditions in a very multi-disciplinary way, so that a number of aspects of a patient is considered and treated. There’s a wall in the break room filled with thank you cards from patients and their loved ones on how helpful they have found the coping mechanisms and support we give them. Long may it continue.”

The Programme offers a combination of therapies, including Psychological, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

Lead Occupational Therapist John Tetlow has worked in PMP for over 20 years, he said: “I had my first experience of pain management during my time working on the neuro inpatient wards in 2003, but was successful in gaining a full-time post as a senior therapist in May 2007. The length of time I have worked here says a lot about how I feel about The Walton Centre.

“Living with chronic pain is very challenging for our patients, and helping them learn how to come to terms with and manage a long-term condition is not easy. We are patient, understanding and knowledgeable, and forming a trusting therapeutic relationship is important. Working with patients from initial assessment to six-month follow-up shows us how we support meaningful changes people make.”

Patients may not experience pain reduction, however compared to before PMP, patients report a 32% reduction in worrying thoughts about their pain symptoms, as well as a 48% improvement in confidence to self-manage their pain. Patients who complete the programme also demonstrate a 35% increase in physical ability afterwards.

Research Lead and Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Katie Herron said: “Whilst chronic pain can be difficult to treat medically and achieve pain reduction, the PMP can help people with chronic pain make improvements in how they experience pain and their quality of life. I regularly hear patients who have gone through one of the courses say that it has helped them to move forward positively and reach achievable goals”

Between 75-90% of patients make significant changes towards their quality of life goals. This includes activities such as getting back to a specific exercise, engaging more in a hobby, going on more outings with family and getting back into work or study.

Pain Specialist Physiotherapist Amy Abbott said: “In physiotherapy, what we are looking to achieve through psychologically informed approaches is to enable patients to reach their goals, allowing for a better quality of life. We consider the patients’ individual needs; helping them to make sense of the pain, improve movement quality, strength and endurance allowing patients greater confidence in returning to valued activity.

“This varied approach allows for patients to find something that works for them and facilitates confidence in trying new activities or reestablishing connection with previously enjoyed exercise. Patients feedback that they feel listened to, they feel physically stronger and more confident to trial new activity, they feel hopeful and excited for the future and newfound opportunities.”

After a car accident in 2001, Trust Governor Albert Weidemann received support from the PMP team. He said: “I can honestly say the team saved my life. They were professional and compassionate and equipped me with an understanding of my pain both physically and mentally.

“It was a matter of trial and error in finding the right coping strategies which finally worked for me. All their efforts enabled me to manage my pain and gave me back my life. 22 years on, I can say hand on heart I would not be where I am today had it not been for the Pain Management Team at The Walton Centre.”

For more information in the Pain Management Programme, go to: www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk

-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’s biggest pain management service celebrates 40 years of supporting people with chronic pain…

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…