News

Since the age of 14, Jo Price from Ruthin North Wales has lived with migraines. When an episode strikes, Jo becomes immobile, unable to move her head without intense stabbing pains, they can affect her speech and can make her vomit. By her 20s, Jo was being struck down regularly with migraine attacks, taking days to recover each time, and be looked after by others.

Jo, now 38, said: “I missed so many key events in my life because of migraines and struggled to hold down a job at times. The fear of losing employment due to my condition became a huge worry for me, creating a vicious cycle of stress and regular migraines.”

Ten years ago, Jo was researching further support for her chronic condition and discovered The Walton Centre’s headache service – one of the biggest in the UK.

She said: “Finding The Walton Centre was like finding a lifeline. The experience I have here is like a breath of fresh air! It’s become a game-changer. The clinicians truly understood what I was going through in a way I’d never experienced before. I appreciated my GP’s efforts, but general knowledge of migraines only goes so far. At The Walton Centre, I finally felt heard, validated, and supported by experts who knew how to help me take control of my condition.”

Initially, Jo’s migraines were being treated with nerve blocks and Botox medication. But when Jo decided to try to start a family, the treatments which improve her migraines would have to change. The Trust’s dedicated headache team worked with Jo to safely adjust her medication and create a plan that balanced managing the episodes of migraine with her goal of becoming a mother.

Jo continued: “I felt empowered by the team that I could manage my medication and try to start a family safely. I knew that some of my medication could work against my efforts to start a family, so having expert guidance and reviewing my treatment was excellent. I’ll never forget the moment I found out I was pregnant – I was overjoyed. Thanks to The Walton Centre’s expert guidance, something that once felt impossible became a reality.”  

Since then, the team have supported Jo with further treatment. Thanks to monthly Ajovy injections to further reduce instances of migraine, Jo was able to launch her own behaviour consultancy business, working with neurodiverse children and their families.

Jo said: “I took the plunge and became self-employed. It was nerve-wracking, but I’m so glad I did. I can manage my workload effectively, and because of the outstanding support from The Walton Centre, I’m able to do more, and pursue the career and family life that I want.

“Living with chronic migraines is more than just dealing with intense pain. It’s a lifelong disability that affects every aspect of life—your relationships, your career, your mental health. Society still doesn’t fully understand the toll it takes, and that needs to change.

“If there’s one thing I hope my story can show others, it’s that there is hope. At my lowest points, I couldn’t see a way out. But with expert care and perseverance, things can improve. Chronic migraines may always be part of my life, but I now know they don’t have to control it.”

Find out more about our headache service here: Headache service

-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

Read 'The Walton Centre helped me to start a family by managing my chronic migraines'…

What is your job role?

I’ve been at The Walton Centre now since 2013, starting as a Junior Operating Department Practitioner and I am now the Lead for Education, Risk and Governance in the theatre department. Further to this role, I am also the President of the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP), a national organisation, for the next two years.

The AfPP are a charity and the largest members association of perioperative practitioners in the UK, with over 6000 members. We write the standards, guidance and audit tools for Operating Theatres, are part of national and international perioperative bodies, and are a core member of the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) alongside the Royal Colleges.

What made you choose to do the job you are in?

I have always loved education and working with students, and this is something I have done throughout my career. Considering this, it was fateful that when I joined The Walton Centre, a pathway into education became available. Alongside this, I have a passion for Human Factors and System Thinking, and I think that is what led me towards taking on a risk and governance role when it became available. It’s a very niche role, but I am one of the few that really enjoy policy writing, incident reviews and CQC inspections… no I really do!

In terms of the AfPP presidency, I have always been a member, and became a trustee a few years ago. This led me to apply to be president and be voted in. It’s very much a once in a lifetime role and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.

What is the favourite part of your job?

At the Trust, it has always been working with students, I find it hugely rewarding helping them develop throughout their training, and seeing them qualify as Operating Department Practitioner’s. I also enjoy donning my metaphorical deer stalker and pipe, as I’ve said previously, I am one of the few who really enjoys reviewing and analysing incidents and developing safer systems.

What’s the most rewarding experience you have had in your role?

We have made a name for ourselves at The Walton Centre for turning around so called 'failing' students, and there is nothing more satisfying than helping to get a student back on track with the support of the incredible team of mentors I have in the department. Most students simply need to find a 'home', a career where they feel like they belong, and benefit from a more person-centred approach to being taught. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing them qualify!  

What is the best advice you have received at work?

To err is human, to forgive is divine, but to failing to learn is inexcusable.

What/who is your biggest motivator at work?

There are challenging days in theatre, where you’re feeling pressure from a number of different sources, but the team I work with pulls together to get the job done for the patients we care for. I couldn’t ask for a bigger motivation.

What is on your bucket list for this year?

As part of my role with AfPP, I am attending two international conferences over the next year or so, one in Boston, and another in New Orleans. I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, so visiting is one off the bucket list

We have also just bought a new house, so the roof not collapsing would be nice too.

With regards to Theatre, we have been through a tough year and seen a lot of change. I just hope we have a great 2025 and continue to build on the already incredible work we do for the patients we care for.

Read Spotlight on Oliver Tierney, Operating Department Practitioner…

There have been a number of points in Sheila Longo’s life where Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) has reared its painful head. From severely damaging her wrist and lower arm in a canoeing accident in California in 1998, to seriously injuring her leg and ankle in Italy in 2015, CRPS has added delay and more pain to her recovery.

Four years ago, the 80-year-old from Northumberland was officially diagnosed with CRPS at The Walton Centre, where she has been a patient ever since. Sheila worked hard to stay active and manage her condition where possible, but her chronic pain became more and more unbearable, especially when her dog died last May. Talking with her pain specialist at the specialist neurosciences Trust, it was suggested Sheila tries the OASIS programme.

Designed by the hospital’s Pain Management Programme (PMP), OASIS is aimed at older patients who may struggle with other, more intensive programmes offered at the Trust, addresses issues they have with pain, but in conjunction with comorbidities and other factors which may otherwise make traditional pain management difficult to follow. 

Sheila said: “I was delighted that I qualified for this course. The exercises and support I had had previously from the hospital were great, but I was seriously struggling even with everyday life.

“I started the eight-week programme in early September and it covered physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological therapy. The pace was excellent, and it was really helpful to meet other people who were in the same chronic pain boat as myself. There was a huge amount of information to absorb, but I really enjoyed it immensely, and feel I have learnt innumerable coping mechanisms in dealing with my chronic condition.”

OASIS is a new initiative by PMP, aiming to cater for a cohort of patients that may otherwise not fit into other pain management courses easily.

Dr Katie Herron is a Consultant Psychologist and co-runs the programme, she said: “In creating this programme, we found there were fewer opportunities for peer support for older patients, and they are in a different stage of life to younger patients. This work has meant a patient group that was otherwise missing out on useful management techniques are now benefiting. The feedback has been incredible so far, and we’re seeing an increase in interest.

“What’s crucial with this group of patients is adaptability. We make sure that the tasks and skills we give them are manageable, so they can continue to practise them at home and in their local community. It’s honestly one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever worked on.” 

Since finishing the course, Sheila has been more active. She said: “Now two months on, I have a lot more energy, feel much happier and am engaging with the outside world far more. I have been working in the garden, going to concerts and my WI group, and am back on the Social Committee of our local church.

“I feel very fortunate to have been on the OASIS programme, as it has certainly given me a new lease of life, and now that I have methods to manage my chronic pain, I have decided to befriend it!”

For more information on PMP, head to the web page: Pain Management Programme

-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 X, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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

 

Read Unique pain programme helps elderly get back on their feet…

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, the UK’s only hospital to specialise in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services, has been reaccredited with the Investors in People Gold award.

Investors in People is the international industry standard for people management, testing organisations against a rigorous framework for best practice in the workplace. The specialist Trust is one of a handful of NHS organisations to earn the IIP Gold accolade with the latest version of the standard. The Walton Centre is the only NHS Organisation to be recognised for having both this accreditation and gold accreditation in health and wellbeing for staff.

Chief Executive Officer Jan Ross said: “I’m delighted that for another year we have secured this prestigious award from Investors in People. It’s a testament to the hard work of staff across The Walton Centre and the fantastic culture we have created, the award marks us out as a centre of excellence for our staff.

“The assessors commented on the dedication of teams across the organisation, and the supportive friendly culture that they found. This award is a reminder that The Walton Centre is a safe and caring environment for our patients to be treated in.”

The detailed report from the assessors described staff in all job roles being motivated to deliver the highest standards and that they are driven by the hospital’s values: pride, dignity, respect, caring and openness.

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate The Walton Centre. Gold accreditation on We invest in people is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places this specialist NHS hospital in fine company, with others that understand the value of people.

“We believe that the success of The Walton Centre begins and ends with people. If we make work better for everyone, we make work better for every organisation.”

Investors in People works with 15,000 organisations across 75 countries to improve and maintain high standards of work environments for staff across a range of industries.

-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 X, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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

 

 

Read The Walton Centre retains gold standard in Investors in People Award…

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, alongside NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHLG), has been named as host for an NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre, which will bring cutting-edge commercial research to communities in Cheshire and Merseyside. 

As part of the NHS 10-year health plan, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced plans to establish 20 Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs), giving patients access to pioneering clinical trials and treatments in record time.

The Liverpool CRDC, funded as part of a £100M government private investment initiative, will support the rapid set-up of commercial studies, meaning patients can begin accessing treatments as part of clinical trials as early as possible.

Alongside UHLG, the Centre will bring together Cheshire and Merseyside organisations including primary and social care; voluntary organisations and 10 secondary care organisations from the region, including:

·        Liverpool Women’s Hospital (part of UHLG)

·        Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital

·        Clatterbridge Cancer Centre

·        The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust

·        Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

·        Alder Hey Children`s Hospital

·        Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

·        The Countess of Chester Hospital

·        Mersey and West Lancashire NHS Foundation Trust

·        Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Establishing the CRDC will mean even more studies and treatments will be available in areas including cancer, respiratory illness, obesity, and infectious diseases.

With the introduction of the CRDCs, the government’s aim is to shift from treatment to prevention and this investment will support research into preventative vaccines and medicines, ultimately helping people live healthier lives for longer.

Professor Terry Jones, Professor of Head and Neck Surgery and Director of Research at UHLG and Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System, who will lead the Liverpool CRDC, said: “We are delighted to be bringing a Commercial Research Delivery Centre to Cheshire and Merseyside, making research accessible to the communities served by our organisations.

“The CRDC will make Cheshire and Merseyside the preferred provider for commercial companies carrying out research, giving patients and participants more opportunities than ever before to take part in research.

“Strengthening and enhancing our current research portfolio, the CRDC will allow us to take research to new heights across the region, building on our already successful research infrastructure”.

Jenny Crooks, Deputy Managing Director of Liverpool Health Partners (LHP), who supported Professor Jones in bringing the partners together, commented: "This achievement reflects the strength of collaboration across the Cheshire and Merseyside healthcare research ecosystem. LHP are a partnership between the research – intensive universities and NHS trusts across Liverpool.

“We are proud to have played a key role in aligning partners and securing this opportunity to increase funding and increase the access to vital research and innovative treatment for the patients and public across Cheshire and Merseyside.”

The CRDC collaborative will allow health and research programmes across the region to continue to build on ground-breaking research, supported by specialist services.

For more information on research at UHLG or to take part in research happening, follow the link: https://bit.ly/takepartUHLG

Read The Walton Centre named as part of NHS Hospital Group in one of 20 Commercial Research Delivery Centres in the UK…

Towards the end of May this year, Declan Tidswell, from the Wirral, was pottering around the kitchen one night after making a meal. The next thing he remembers is waking up on the kitchen floor without any feeling in his legs below the knees.

The 33-year-old said: “One minute I was washing up, the next I was on the floor and couldn’t feel my legs. I live alone, and wasn’t able to move. I had no idea what was going on and it took a while to let family know what was going on for help.”

Declan, who is an IT Product Manager, was rushed to Arrowe Park Hospital in an ambulance, where they scanned him and found a large tumour on the upper part of the spine. After this discovery, Declan was rushed to The Walton Centre as an emergency.

Declan said: “By the time I got to The Walton Centre, the paralysis had started to move up my body. It was scary, but the staff were so reassuring and I ended up in surgery really quickly.”

The tumour on Declan’s spine is called a Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, where 10% of cases in the UK occur in the spine – making it even more rare.

Due to the uncommon tumour wrapped around Declan’s spine, Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Martin Wilby approached The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham for support on how to treat and remove the tumour.

Mr Wilby said: “With tumours that occur within the spine, there are a number of factors that can have life-changing implications on a patient’s outcome. In cases where the tumour compresses the spinal cord, as in Declan’s case, speed is of the essence and removing as much of the tumour as possible is the goal.

“Tumours can cause pressure on the nerves in the spine or spinal cord, and even if it is removed quickly, it can cause lasting damage and paralysis. Unfortunately, the spinal cord does not repair itself and compression injury is often permanent.”

During surgery, a cage was inserted into Declan’s spine and as much of the tumour as possible was removed to aid his recovery. Some remains, and is being treated by The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham.

Declan continued: “It all happened really quickly. I woke up after the operation and the team told me I was in a stable condition. The paralysis stops at my chest, so my rehabilitation was hard, but very positive. The staff around me, from the clinical staff on Dott Ward to the different therapies getting me mobile and supporting me, were excellent. 

“I couldn’t thank the teams enough. The support and reassurance they give my family and friends was amazing. The relationships I built in the hospital made my stay strangely enjoyable. With a life changing situation, the environment was fantastic and there was a lot more laughter than tears.”

“After five months, I’m back home now, waiting for further treatment and adapting to a new way of life. But I cannot thank the team at The Walton Centre enough. I feel like my recovery would’ve been much longer, harder had the specialist hospital not been there - giving me that extra push each day.”

-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 X, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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

Read ‘One minute I was washing up, the next I was on the floor and I couldn’t feel my legs’…

When Healthcare Assistant Megan Pape from Liverpool came into work at The Walton Centre a few weeks ago, little did she know that a normal day in the Outpatients Department was going to take an unusual turn.

Megan’s mum Gill, 46, also from Liverpool, was coming in with tremors she’d notice get steadily worse over the last year or so. Megan said: “When mum started getting tremors in her arm, I knew right away she would benefit from a referral to The Walton Centre, and I’m so grateful that her GP listened and did so, otherwise I dread to think what could’ve happened.”

Megan was inspired to work for The Walton Centre after her Aunty passed away at the hospital in 2020 after experiencing a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH).

Megan continued: “The Walton Centre holds a very special place in my heart. When my aunty was here, I was blown away by the incredible treatment and care she received in her final days. I saw that outstanding care and thought: How do I become a part of that?

“The Trust has looked after so many family members, including myself for Chronic Migraines. I’m beyond pleased that they were able to support my mum the way they have. I’m so grateful. I love working here with patients, I see the positive impact the hospital has on them every day.”

Working in the Patient Access Centre, Megan quickly moved into a Healthcare Assistant role, where she completed an apprenticeship.

Gill’s scans revealed she had a Chiari Malformation. This is a condition where the lower part of the brain pushes down into the spinal canal. This can put pressure on the brain stem, or obstruct the flow of spinal fluid, presenting a number or problems to the patient.

Gill said: “When I first started getting the tremors, I just thought it was something I could get treated easily. Not once did I think it could be something wrong with my brain. But Megan was adamant that I seek a referral to The Walton Centre, and I’m so glad I did.”

Gill’s care was transferred to the Neurosurgical department, shortly after which Consultant Neurosurgeon Professor Andrew Brodbelt performed a decompression to correct the condition and alleviate her symptoms.

Gill continued: “I’m so relieved now that it’s done. The team did a great job to reassure me beforehand, but I was so worried. I’d even sorted the Christmas presents out before going in for the operation, just in case something went wrong.”

Megan said: “The hospital has been fantastic looking after my mum. I’m delighted that I’m working with such dedicated staff, their compassion has inspired me all over again!"

-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 ‘The Walton Centre I work for saved my mum’s life, and I’m inspired to work here all over again!’…

The Walton Centre Charity held its 13th annual Jan Fairclough Ball at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Friday 15 November and once again, it was an outstanding success. Spearheaded once again by our patron, David Fairclough and family, and sponsored by our valued supporters AB Engineering, Home Bargains, and the Carpenters Group, the evening raised an impressive £57,000 with every penny going towards our Home from Home Relatives' Accommodation.

The Home from Home is relative accommodation, dedicated to creating comfortable and welcoming spaces for the families of patients receiving critical care at The Walton Centre. These spaces provide a vital sanctuary where loved ones can stay close, offering support and reassurance at what can often be a difficult and emotional time. To learn more about this crucial facility, visit our dedicated page.

Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening of glitz and glamour, hosted by the award-winning broadcaster Steve Hothersall. The Titanic Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for the evening, where attendees enjoyed a delicious three-course meal and the chance to participate in both an online and live auction.  Guests were also able to take part in a diamond raffle to win a stunning pendant donated by Boodles.

The online auction featured a range of sought-after items, including signed sporting memorabilia, exclusive experiences, stunning artwork, and luxury beauty packages. Meanwhile, the live auction saw heated bidding for extraordinary prizes such as hospitality packages at Goodison Park and Anfield, Oasis tickets for their Heaton Park show, and a luxury weekend stay for ten at Longtail Cottage, complete with a private chef.

Our Head of Fundraising, Madeleine Fletcher, had this to say about the evening: "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 and Home Bargains – their support ensures we can maximise what is raised on the night.  Thank you also to Boodles for providing the extra sparkle!

"And, of course, thank you to all our guests who attended and contributed to the success of the evening - we are continually humbled by the generosity shown, and we never take it for granted.

"We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and supported this year’s Jan Fairclough Ball. Your contributions are helping to make a real difference for patients and their families at The Walton Centre. Thank you for being part of this unforgettable night."

Read Jan Fairclough Ball raises over £57,000 for the Home from Home appeal…