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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…

The Walton Centre has been recognised by Muscular Dystrophy UK for providing outstanding care for people with muscle-wasting conditions.

The specialist neuroscience Trust was awarded Centre of Clinical Excellence status by the charity, alongside 16 other centres across the UK. The award recognises excellence across a range of criteria, including the care received by patients, and helps to drive up the standards of clinical support for people with muscle-wasting conditions.

Neuromuscular Service Lead Dr James Holt and Consultant Neurologist Charlotte Dougan said: “The team are delighted to receive recognition of excellence for the comprehensive Neuromuscular Service, which includes our pioneering multidisciplinary neuromuscular clinics.

“The service is a well-established, comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic service with a range of subspecialist interests in peripheral nerve, muscle & neuromuscular junction disorders. We are hoping to grow with a number of projects to increase research and the benefits to patients. This award will galvanise the team to keep striving for excellence!”

Director of Campaigns, Care and Support at Muscular Dystrophy UK Rob Burley said: “We would like to congratulate The Walton Centre, which has deservedly been awarded Centre of Clinical Excellence status.

“The Trust provides a comprehensive service for people with muscle-wasting conditions and promotes best practice, ensuring patients have access to the best possible healthcare near where they live. Improved clinical care means faster access to treatments and potential cures.

“As the leading charity improving standards in muscle centres, we want to make sure everyone living with a muscle-wasting condition gets excellent care. We will continue to work withThe Walton Centre and other centres to ensure this ambition is realised.”

In the UK, 70,000 people have a rare or ultra-rare muscle-wasting condition. With just over one in every 1,000 people affected, many health professionals may never come across anyone with a muscle-wasting condition or know much about them.

The Centres of Excellence awards review began in 2012 and takes place every three years. It involves a rigorous assessment of services by experts, with a panel of health professionals and patient representatives developing the criteria for the awards. Patients’ views were also gathered as part of the review process. 

 

Read The Walton Centre has been awarded Centre of Clinical Excellence status by Muscular Dystrophy UK…

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

The Walton Centre, which hosts the network, held a showcase event this week to highlight the different aspects of the network. A number of activities took place on the day, including a market place showcasing the network, presentations from recovering patients and interactive sessions.

The CMRN was set up five years ago after it was recognised that by improving the trauma pathway in the region, a new pathway for patients with complex rehabilitation need was needed.

A number of specialities are involved in the network, from a range of therapists to hyper acute 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. 

Network Manager Alison Price said: “It’s been fantastic to celebrate the network in this way! Everyone attending took something away from the event – be it an amazing patient story or a way of working that can be applied to their work within the network.

“The network is all about helping patients get the right treatment, rehabilitation and ultimately as much independence as possible to live as close to normal lives as possible. Here’s to another five years!”

David Holt from St Helens told visitors his story in a presentation at the beginning of the day. He contracted Guillian-Barré Syndrome in January 2018. He said: “It’s [the network] very good. They’ve done everything they can to help me. They’ve worked together to get me back on the road to normality.

“It would’ve been a lot harder without them! I don’t know where I would’ve gone or what to do.”

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 five year anniversary…

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust excelled once again in the latest Patient-led Assessment of Care Environment (PLACE) inspection.

PLACE is a system for assessing the quality of a patient environment. Members of the public are invited into patient and visitor areas to put the hospital through its paces. PLACE assessments look at:

·         privacy and dignity

·         food

·         cleanliness

·         general building maintenance

·         how well the needs of patients with dementia are met

·         how well the needs of patients with a disability are met 

The Walton Centre’s average across the six main domains of the assessment was 96.23% which made it the third highest performing specialist Trust in the country and gave it a ranking of 15^th out of all NHS Trusts across England.

Its results were over 7% higher than the national average.

Lisa Salter, Director of Nursing was delighted with the results. She said: “Year on year we consistently achieve outstanding results in our PLACE assessments and this is absolutely fantastic news for our patients who know they can expect the very best from us.

“The Walton Centre has achieved incredibly high marks over the past five PLACE assessments. It’s testament to the hard work of staff who work incredibly hard to ensure patients and their families receive the best care and have the best experiences when visiting our hospital.”

The hospital works closely with catering contractor ISS to ensure the food served at the hospital is consistently high quality. The service provides hundreds of different meal choices and makes hot food available at any time of the day for patients.

ISS General Manager James Gibney said: “ISS works shoulder to shoulder with The Walton Centre and it couldn’t be a better partnership. The scores are proof of this. It’s an incredible set of scores and a fantastic national position which I think everyone here can be truly proud of.”

To ensure the test is as impartial as it can be, members of the public who take part in the assessment fill out confidential questionnaires.   

The PLACE assessments are managed nationally by NHS Digital Workforce & Estates.

 

Read Top marks for The Walton Centre in latest government food & hygiene ratings…

The Walton Centre is up for an award from the Nursing Times Workforce Summit Awards, for work on staff retention and satisfaction.

The specialist neurosciences Trust is shortlisted in the ‘Best place to work for employee satisfaction’. The Trust was highlighted for reducing staff turnover to 12%, meaning less nurses are leaving to work at other hospitals. This work has also reduced the pressure on nursing teams and boosted morale on wards and clinical areas.

The Nursing Times Workforce Awards recognise and reward the excellent work that is being done by employers to support the nursing and midwifery workforce. Co-located with the Workforce Summit, this one-day event will stimulate discussion, inspire and reward organisations for excellence in supporting the future of the health and care workforce.

Director of Nursing and Governance Lisa Salter said: “I’m delighted that The Walton Centre has been shortlisted; it’s a fantastic achievement in itself! We’ve worked hard to improve retention and opportunities for nursing staff over the last year, so to be recognised in this way is encouraging.”

The nomination also mentions the positive outcomes of new ways the Trust has developed of working and giving staff the opportunity to extend their skills in a specialist environment. As a result of these efforts, all nursing vacancies have been filled to date, sickness rates have decreased and staff retention has increased significantly.

The Trust is up against the likes of University College London Hospitals FT and projects from Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership Trust. The winners will be announced on 4 October at a ceremony at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel in London.

A full list of awards and finalists can be found at: https://workforce.nursingtimes.net

Read Walton staff nominated for ‘Best Place to Work’ in Nursing Times Awards…