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A grant worth over two million pounds has been awarded to clinical researchers from The Walton Centre, University of Liverpool and King’s College London to investigate the neurological and neuropsychiatric effects of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Clinical Neuroscience Study (COVID-CNS) will look at 800 UK patients who were admitted to hospital with COVID-19and had neurological or neuropsychiatric complications, to understand how these problems occur and develop strategies to prevent and treat them.

Project co-lead, Dr Benedict Michael, Consultant Neurologist at The Walton Centre and Senior Clinical Scientist Fellow at the University of Liverpool, said: “COVID-19 patients frequently suffer brain complications during the infection and are left with brain injuries which can have lifelong consequences. Similar problems have been seen in previous pandemics, including Spanish influenza over 100 years ago, but how and why this occurs is poorly understood.

“Without understanding how the virus causes these problems, we are not able to know which existing medications to use or to develop new medications to treat these neurological effects. We’re going to look at cases in detail, exploring clinical data, and laboratory and imaging markers of brain inflammation and injury.”

This project is also supported by and is an integral part of the National Institute of Health Research BioResource (https://bioresource.nihr.ac.uk/), which provides research infrastructure to speed up clinical research and clinical trials. Patients of the COVID-CNS study will be consenting to the NIHR BioResource and will be re-contactable to participate in further research into COVID-19.

The project involves more than a dozen research centres from all four nations of the UK and is being led by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at the University of Liverpool in collaboration with King’s College London.

Project co-lead Professor Gerome Breen, Professor of Psychiatric Genetics at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, said: “These brain complications of severe COVID-19 infection could cause long terms problems for patients and their families. We want to compare patients with these complications to similarly ill hospitalised patients who did not have these problems. We will monitor their outcomes and integrate social and environmental risk factors into our analyses alongside all the biology information we will measure.”

“This project brings together scientists and clinicians in all four UK nations, across neurology, psychiatry, genetics, epidemiology and immunology. By working together, we aim to rapidly improve our understanding and design better treatments.”

COVID-CNS has been awarded £2.3m by UK Research and Innovation and the Department of Health and Social Care through the UKRI-NIHR COVID-19 Rapid Response Rolling Call.

Read Walton Centre Neurologist to co-lead new national study into neurological impact of COVID-19…

Clinicians from The Walton Centre have led an early stage national study of hospitalised patients who developed brain complications in patients with COVID-19.

Lead researcher Dr Benedict Michael, a consultant neurologist with the Trust, worked with the CoroNerve Studies Group, a collaboration between the universities of Liverpool, Southampton, Newcastle and UCL, to study 153 patients treated in UK hospitals during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The findings, published this week in The Lancet Psychiatry, describe a range of neurological and psychiatric complications that may be linked to the disease, including stroke and an altered mental state such as brain inflammation, psychosis and dementia-like symptoms. The study provides valuable information for clinicians and researchers taking the next steps in neuroscience COVID-19 research and planning.

All of the patients included in the study were selected for inclusion by expert doctors and therefore likely represent the most severe cases. It is not possible to draw conclusions about the total proportion of COVID-19 patients likely to be affected based on this study and in light of these findings further research is now needed, the authors say.

Dr Michael said: “Whilst an altered mental state was being reported by some clinicians, we were surprised to identify quite so many cases, particularly in younger patients, and by the breadth of clinical syndromes ranging from brain inflammation (encephalitis) through to psychosis and catatonia.

“Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of patients with COVID-19 developing these complications and, conversely, of the possibility of COVID-19 in patients presenting with acute neurological and psychiatric syndromes.”

To investigate the breadth of COVID-19 complications that affect the brain, researchers set up a secure, UK-wide online network for specialist doctors to report details of specific cases. These portals were hosted by professional bodies representing specialists in neurology, stroke, psychiatry and intensive care. Data was collected between 2 April and 26 April 2020, during the exponential phase of the pandemic.

Co-author Professor Tom Solomon, also a consultant neurologist at The Walton Centre and Director of the National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at the University of Liverpool said: “This study provides a great snapshot of the spectrum of COVID-19 associated neurological disease in the UK.

“Now we can recognise these problems, we need to understand in more detail why some patients are developing these complications, and what we can do to stop it. It will also be interesting to see how these data compare with other countries.”

Read the full Lancet article.

Read Walton consultants lead research into neurological effects of COVID-19…

The Walton Centre is getting a touch of the high life as Project Wingman opens a ‘first class lounge’ at the hospital.

Project Wingman is a group of airline crew from across every UK airline, united by their profession and dedication to serving NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, the project is providing a space for Walton staff to unwind, de-compress and destress before, during and after a shift.

Project Wingman Co-founder Emma Henderson said: “We are really excited about partnering with The Walton Centre. It has worked well at other trusts and we’ve been overwhelmed by the high level of gratitude from staff. We wanted to put our skills to good use and it’s amazing to see it happen. NHS staff are working so hard to save lives, it’s the least we can do right now to support them.”

Staff will be able to relax in the pop-up lounge on Jefferson Ward and have a chat and refreshments served by cabin crew from 7am – 7pm seven days a week.

Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations and Strategy Jan Ross said: “Project Wingman has already made such a difference to our hard working staff. The First Class Lounge they have set up gives our staff somewhere to go to unwind and relax that is away from the clinical environment. We are bowled over by what Project Wingman has done for The Walton Centre and are so grateful for the difference they’re making and the many hours they are volunteering to support the NHS frontline.”

The Walton Centre Charity applied to Project Wingman for a chance to have a lounge.

Head of Fundraising Madeleine Fletcher said: “I am delighted to count Project Wingman as one of our many supporters. They have provided a massive boost to our staff already and it’s really great to see crew members on site in their full airline uniform supporting NHS staff. We are one of only a few locations in the North West to have Project Wingman on site and we’re honoured to be able to work with them and their volunteer crew.”

Check out The Walton Centre’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for the latest updates.

 

Read Project Wingman lands at The Walton Centre to support staff with ‘first class lounge’…

A score to help clinicians define mild head traumas has been developed by a team of staff from The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The Liverpool Head Injury Tomography Score (Liverpool HITS) was recently published in The British Journal of Neurosurgery. The new scoring system defines ‘surgically significant’ mild traumatic brain injuries in a bid to improve communication between neurosurgical centres and referral centres.

Consultant Neurosurgeon, and Lead for Trauma at The Walton Centre, Catherine McMahon said: “I’m delighted that Liverpool HITS has proven so effective in categorising mild head traumas.

“This could improve the head injury referral process by a significant amount and what’s even better is that the score has a very high sensitivity, so clinicians unsure of whether or not to refer a patient would be given the confidence that they are acting in the best interests of the patient.”

Over half of the patients studied would never have required a referral to the neurosurgical centre meaning unnecessary workload in local A&Es and telephone consultations with neurosurgeons could have been avoided.

Lead Radiology Registrar for the Cheshire & Merseyside Collaborative, Chris McLeavy, said: "The Liverpool HITS Team is proud to have developed such a robust and easy to use scoring system that will streamline head injury referrals. Liverpool HITS will improve communication, reduce unnecessary referrals, give staff more time to spend with sick patients and ensure all head injury patients are managed quickly and effectively."

The University of Liverpool’s Connor Gillespie, who worked on the research project, said: “I’m excited about the implications of Liverpool HITS. We want referring centres to be supported in their decision making, that not all mild head traumas need to be referred to specialists like The Walton Centre, rather provide guidance locally to empower local trauma units how best to manage these patients

“During a time of increasing demand on the NHS this system has the potential to significantly reduce workload without affecting patient care” 

The score has attracted great interest nationally and will be rolled out across the North West and hopefully incorporated into referral processes across the wider NHS.”

To read the full paper online, click here: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/G2QSTJ5Y76KYUJDUHJIX/full?target=10.1080%2F02688697.2019.1710825&

Read Liverpool Clinicians create new head trauma score to tackle unnecessary referrals…

BBC Two has announced that Label1 will be returning to Merseyside for series five of award-winning documentary series Hospital this month. Filming at The Walton Centre and across several Trusts in Liverpool, the programme will air on BBC Two next year.

Hospital is one of BBC Two’s flagship documentary series and the response to series four was overwhelmingly positive, with an average of 2.2 million viewers watching each episode. The series – and the hospital staff and patients featured - received widespread critical acclaim, and there was a genuine impact, from the incredible response of viewers at home to a 2,218% surge in the number of people signing up to be organ donors*.

Hospital will continue to unveil the work that goes on at some of the country’s largest and highly specialised NHS Trusts to ensure patients get the best possible care, as well as the challenges and pressures they face at a time when the NHS continues to be under scrutiny. 

The series has previously filmed at the Imperial College Healthcare Trust London and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and last year, across six Trusts in Liverpool.

Filming is due to take place from late October, concentrating on clinical areas, patient stories and behind the scenes access.

Patrick Holland, BBC Two Controller, said: “Hospital encapsulates BBC Two’s mission. The best film-making, about the biggest stories affecting people, brought to the audience with urgency and great humanity. I’m delighted to announce its return.” 

Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning in Documentaries, said: “Hospital is essential viewing. It has been a game-changing series for BBC Two, winning an RTS Award and bringing the audience the most urgent and important stories from the frontline of the NHS today. I am delighted we’ll be returning to Merseyside for this series and I’d like to thank the hospital trusts, staff and patients across Liverpool for their extraordinary commitment and openness in making the series.”

Jackie Waldock, Executive Producer, Label1, says: ‘We are honoured and excited to be returning to Liverpool to make the fifth series of Hospital with the Trusts, staff and patients throughout the city. We look forward to revealing compelling new stories that shine a light on the extraordinary work of the NHS.”

Hayley Citrine, Chief Executive of The Walton Centre, said: “The latest series shows some truly exceptional examples of the NHS working hard for patients and families. We’re excited to have the team back to show viewers how The Walton Centre is bringing outstanding care to patients day to day.”

Steve Warburton, Chief Executive of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and chair of the North Mersey A&E Delivery Board, which includes all of Liverpool’s trusts, said: “We are delighted that Hospital is returning to make another series, which comes after the success of the last series filmed in Liverpool. There is some incredible work going on across our city, which is saving and improving the lives of our patients, carried out by thousands of dedicated and talented staff. We are working together to continue to improve the healthcare we offer and viewers will be able to see both the challenges and rewards that working in our NHS brings.”

Hospital, a 8x60’ series for BBC Two, is made by Label1 Television. It was commissioned by Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two and Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries. The Commissioning Editors are Hamish Fergusson and Emma Loach. The Executive Producers are Jackie Waldock, Eric Harwood & Lorraine Charker-Phillips for Label 1 Television.

Read Award-winning BBC Two documentary Hospital returns to The Walton Centre…

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for a second time. This makes the hospital the only specialist neuroscience trust in the country to get the rating twice in a row.

The CQC released their latest report today, praising the Trust for its positive staff culture, use of cutting edge technology and new medical innovations.

Chief Executive Hayley Citrine said: “This rating is because of each and every staff member here at The Walton Centre. We welcomed the inspection team earlier this year and used their visit as an opportunity to show them all the fantastic things our staff do to provide a high standard of care for patients and their families.

“They praised the strong culture in supporting staff health and wellbeing, which is crucial when dealing with complex conditions we see in the hospital every day.

“They also noted the high level of innovation, which again feeds into our culture and that we are one of only two Trusts in the country to introduce a clinical lead in this area.

“There aren’t enough words to describe how proud I am of our staff and their ability to deliver fantastic care every day – it’s simply outstanding!”

The report described the Trust as ‘the first hospital in the north’ using Intra-operative MRI scanning when treating adult patients. Surgeons use the technology during an operation, reducing the need for patients to return to surgery, an innovation funded by the Marina Dalglish Appeal in 2017.

The report also noted the Trust’s had an atmosphere where ‘candour, openness, honesty and transparency were the norm’. 

The first ‘Outstanding’ rating was received in 2016 following a full inspection of the Trust’s services. This time a team of CQC Inspectors visited the Trust in March and April 2019 to assess surgery and critical care services, and to inspect whether the Trust was ‘well-led’ overall.

Find the full report and ratings on the CQC’s website.

Read We're OUTSTANDING for a second time!…

The Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City Region officially opened a new project at The Walton Centre which brings very ill patients closer to nature – one of the first of its kind in the UK.

Mayor Steve Rotheram, pictured above left, cut the ribbon on the new innovation, which will see intensive-therapy patients gain access to outdoor space safely.

The Trust’s Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) Garden Room acts as an outdoor extension for ITU patients, particularly those experiencing delirium – a common condition for brain injured patients. The room is equipped with piped oxygen and suction systems, so long term ventilated patients can enjoy the greenery with friends and family while receiving the ITU care and support they require.

Clinical Director for Neuroanaesthesia & Critical Care Sandeep Lakhani, pictured above right, is part of the group of staff behind the idea for the room. He said: “We wanted to create a calm space for patients and their families within our Critical Care Unit as we realise that it can be a very distressing time for them.

“Often they arrive in a very anxious and traumatic moment in their lives, and that extends to the friends and relatives too. With the garden room, patients will have lots of natural light and air, as well as plants and greenery to help with their recovery once they have recovered from the acute phase of their critical illness. 

“I’m so glad that we’re now able to offer this to patients. I’m also pleased that staff from across the hospital have supported this and worked hard to make it a reality.”

During the formal ceremony, speeches were given by Chief Executive Hayley Citrine and the Mayor cut the ribbon, officially opening the room.

Steve Rotheram said: “I am sure that this garden room will be extremely helpful for patients at The Walton Centre, as well as their families and friends. 

“The mental health and wellbeing benefits of exposure to nature are well documented and I am very proud to be able to open this innovative project.”

Michael Lewis-Walton was the first patient to use the room and also attended the event. Michael was told he had a tumour attached to his brainstem last year, which resulted in him becoming paralysed and ventilated. He is slowly recovering and uses the room regularly.

His partner Richard said: “It is fantastic that The Walton Centre is providing care, not only for patients’ medical needs, but for their mental health needs too. This room provides an opportunity for patients to escape the four walls and remember that daylight is waiting for them outside.”

The project was completely funded by The Walton Centre Charity’s Horsley ITU fund. Head of fundraising Madeleine Fletcher said: “When the team came to the charity to help with the idea for the Garden Room, we couldn’t say no! The enthusiasm for patient care at the Trust is exceptional.

“This room will help some of the sickest patients seen here at The Walton Centre receiving cutting edge treatment and it will be thanks to our amazing fundraisers’ donations.”

The Trust’s Organ Donation Team also kindly donated artwork and landscaping for the outside space.

Read Metro Mayor officially opens innovative new garden room…

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust has secured the coveted Surgical Spine Centre of Excellence (SSCoE) status from EUROSPINE.

The Trust was awarded the European-wide quality standard earlier this month, meaning that the hospital joins a certification programme for reputable spine institutions. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of spinal surgery and treatment and also to provide guidance for patients with spinal disorders.

The Walton Centre’s Medical Director Andrew Nicolson said: “It’s a testament to our hard working staff in theatres and throughout the hospital that we’ve been awarded the accolade. We’re constantly striving for high quality care for our patients, so to receive confirmation of this from EUROSPINE is something to celebrate.”

EUROSPINE is a society that aims to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and ideas in the research and treatment of spinal problems and diseases. The accreditation is only awarded to institutions that have highly-qualified personnel, experience, competence and exceptional equipment.

Frank Kandziora from the society said: “The SSCoE accreditation requirements were developed to address the present and future needs of patients and providers, and they are coupled with an objective evaluation process that enables a thorough review of each candidate centre.

“The purpose of the SSCoE programme is to audit and certify the implementation of services that advance spine surgery and spine care as a whole. The Walton Centre is an excellent Neurosurgical Centre and it’s clear that staff across the hospital work hard to provide high quality care.”

For more information about Eurospine, go to www.eurospine.org.

Read The Walton Centre named first Surgical Spine Centre of Excellence in UK…