News

Over ten years ago, while Mairead Clabby, from Wirral, was beginning her career in the police force, she sustained a head injury which put her life on hold. Attempting to deal with her recovery with physiotherapy, Mairead knew there was something more going on.

She said: “My condition got so bad that I was beginning to lose sensation in my right arm. I tried to keep working, but I was dropping things and struggled with my balance towards the end of 2021. Eventually in 2022, my physiotherapist sent me for a scan, where they found four slipped discs in my neck and Chiari Malformation at the base of my skull.”

Mairead was referred to The Walton Centre shortly after this discovery for further treatment and intervention.

Mairead continued: “I was shocked at the discovery, but also realised this was why previous physiotherapy and other treatment wasn’t working. It had been a long time, so I was glad that something was now happening which could improve my quality of life.”

Mairead underwent an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) at The Walton Centre in January 2023, in a bid to relieve the nerve pain she was experiencing.

Last year, The Walton Centre performed 256 ACDF procedures. Consultant Neurosurgeon and Major Trauma Lead Mr Oluwaseun Sobowale said: “Broadly speaking, we offer this operation to patients who are experiencing spinal cord or nerve root compression.

“Cord Compression can lead to deteriorating fine motor skills, and after time this can affect balance, mobility, and potentially a loss of bladder function. Nerve compression can manifest in pain, tingling and numbness. So it really can have a huge impact on someone’s quality of life.

“The benefit of performing the ACDF procedure means stabilising the symptoms and potentially improving that pain or weakness a patient may have after an injury or degenerative disease.”

Mairead continued: “It was like a great big weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Four months or so afterwards I began to feel a real shift back to the way I was before the injury. I became a lot more active and have so far lost the six and a half stone I put on since being injured. I still have some residual pain and other things, but I’m working through them with The Walton Centre. I’m confident I’ll be fighting fit in no time, so much so that I’ve returned to work this month!”

For more information on The Walton Centre’s many services, please visit our website 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 Thanks to life-changing spinal surgery, Mairead has returned to work…

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust has reached a milestone in using a cutting-edge treatment for people living with Essential Tremor – a neurological disorder that causes an uncontrollable shake or trembling in a part of the body.

The UK’s first specialist neurosciences hospital won the contract to deliver the new service at the end of 2021, making it the first centre in the North of England, second in the country overall, to offer an incisionless treatment for the condition. Since the service launch in April 2022, 100 patients have undergone the innovative procedure.

Called Trans-cranial MR-guided Focused Ultrasound, or Focused Ultrasound for short, it involves thermal tissue ablation, targeted at the key areas of the brain causing the tremors.

Essential Tremor is considered one of the most common neurological movement disorders and is estimated to be eight to 10 times more prevalent than Parkinson's disease according to the National Tremor Foundation.

53-year-old Steve O’Connor, originally from Manchester, now living in West Yorkshire, is the 100^th patient to receive Focused Ultrasound at The Walton Centre. He said: “I’ve had Essential Tremor all my life, so I’ve never known anything different. But over lockdown a couple of years ago, the tremors got much worse. I lecture in Creative Writing, so being able to write on a whiteboard and even hold a pen to write on paper is incredibly important to me. Having Focused Ultrasound on my dominant side has been revolutionary. It’s new to have a hand that doesn’t tremor, and I can’t tell you how much it means to me. Thank you to Mr Osman Farah, his team and everyone at The Walton Centre who has supported me during the procedure.”

Eligible patients get one Focused Ultrasound treatment to reduce the tremors on one side of their body. Current regulatory approvals demonstrate good clinical durability, with tremor relief maintained at three years. Long term plans for the service will include reviewing patients who have had the treatment for a second round to address their other side of their body.

Medical Director Dr Andrew Nicolson said: “The clinical teams have been full steam ahead since the service launch in 2022. All of those who have been treated with Focused Ultrasound have seen huge benefits, the majority seeing their tremors essentially disappear as soon as the procedure is over. Before, patients would have to undergo major surgery to achieve similar results, so it’s certainly a milestone to be proud of.”

Mr Jibril Osman Farah, Consultant Neurosurgeon and lead clinician for this project said: “We’ve had a very productive two years delivering this service to patients with Essential Tremor. The outcomes have been nothing short of incredible. I’m regularly seeing patients returning to clinic after treatment continuing to be tremor-free. It’s an ongoing team effort, and I’m delighted we can continue to offer this pioneering treatment to patients, and expand it in the future.”

Maureen Greenough, from St Helen’s, was the first Essential Tremor patient to receive Focused Ultrasound at The Walton Centre. She had experienced tremors for several years before being offered this treatment. The procedure was a complete success and she no longer has tremors in her right hand-side.

She said: “I couldn’t believe how immediate the change was. As soon as I left the treatment room I noticed that my right hand had stopped shaking, it was like the team at The Walton centre had flipped a switch! Before this my writing was terrible, I couldn’t hold a cup without using both hands. I felt a lot of embarrassment and I didn’t feel comfortable eating in front of people. Now that’s all changed. The treatment The Walton Centre provides is excellent, and I will be forever grateful to the team for helping me.”

For more information about Focused Ultrasound, go to our website: Essential tremor - Ultrasound thalamotomy

 

-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.

Read 100th patient receives pioneering treatment for Essential Tremor…

At The Walton Centre, hundreds of non-medical staff help to keep the hospital running smoothly. We meet four colleagues whose work behind the scenes has a huge impact on our patients.

Steve Holland, Head of Estates

The Estates Team deals with everything – from the big to the small – to keep the hospital functioning and patient activity going. Every day brings its challenges, a scanner not working, a burst water pipe, a door lock not working, but this is a job I love. I’ve been at the Trust for 15 years and seen a lot of change; the development of the Sid Watkins Building, the installation of the iMRI scanner and the replacement of the entire heating system last year. The next big project is the Theatres refurbishment which will be very complex, and new to me and the team.

We have to balance strategic planning for new work with ongoing scheduled maintenance and reactive jobs – sometimes these swallow you up, but they have to be done – if something is broken and affecting patient treatment or staff wellbeing, it’s a priority. I work with a great team and we have great links across the hospital.

I always feel proud to work in the NHS - it’s like working in a big family at The Walton Centre, whatever role you do.

Pamela Armitage, Medical Secretary

How many hats can you wear at once? That’s the life of a Medical Secretary!

We’re a first point of contact for the patients, and the gatekeepers for our consultants – answering queries from the start to the end of every day. I’ve worked with Miss Catherine Gilkes and Mr Ajay Sinha for 10 years and really feel part of the team, with the surgeons and the specialist nurses. I’m never made to feel like ‘just the secretary’, but a crucial part of the team.

It’s a real privilege to do this job, at the end of every job is a patient, sometimes going through the worst times of their lives. It can be stressful, but I try and treat the patients like they’re a member of my family.

When someone calls and they’re upset or frustrated, I find it really rewarding to be able to help, find an answer to their query or problem and reassure them. It really makes a difference – to their life, and mine.

Terri-Anne Scattergood, Bed Manager

It’s all about the right patient, in the right bed, right time – that’s the key to being a good bed manager. We manage patients from pre-admission right through to discharge, ensuring patient flow across the Trust to prevent delays in Theatres and timely transfers from ICU to the wards.

All three of our bed managers have a nursing background and have worked on the wards, so we have a good understanding of the patients’ conditions and which ward is suitable and safe for them. We’re supported by our discharge planner and administrator – both vital members of our team.

It can be very challenging – it’s like a big jigsaw puzzle, constantly working against a clock, but everyone across the Trust pulls together to help and we always manage to find a bed for everyone.

It’s so rewarding once every patent is in, especially emergencies from other Trusts – they could be patients needing time-critical, life-changing treatment. It’s the best feeling knowing they’re in the hospital, and will get the care they need.

Paula Bickley, Ward Clerk, Cairns Ward

As a Ward Clerk I look after the administration side of Cairns ward, including making sure all patient information is correct before a patient goes to Theatre. I also help to cover emergencies on other wards and admin needs across the hospital.

Everyone makes a contribution to the care of our patients. Once, a patient’s family lived far away and couldn’t visit. I used to pass on messages from his wife, and had many chats and even sing-songs with him when he was upset and missing his family and his pets. Watching him go home was so rewarding, and he even sent me a photo with his dogs and cat which was lovely.

I love being part of a team and working on a really busy ward – we’re a really good team, all working together. There’s never a dull moment – every day is different!

 

Read Our team behind the scenes...featured in the latest edition of Neuromatters…

Tony Dunn from Liverpool was born with Cerebral Palsy and has since experienced chronic pain his entire life. Tony’s pain has varied in level over the years, in his legs and his back, but recent hip pain was massively impacting his quality of life and exacerbating his pain.

It was also making it difficult to work, something he had to put on hold while he sought help. At The Walton Centre, Tony found the Pain Management Programme (PMP), and after a referral from their GP, was able to attend a course which helped him to live with his chronic pain better.

Tony said: “That first day I was in the waiting room, about to be called in for the assessment. I was nervous, pale and sweating thinking about what was about to happen. Then a group of patients came through the waiting room, smiling, happy and energetic. These were all people with some sort of chronic pain and they looked so full of life!

“Fast forward to taking part in the course, and it was a gamechanger. Therapy staff would get us in the gym and help us to relearn almost automatic actions like walking up the stairs. I was pulling myself up with my upper body on the banister, when they taught me to lean into it, use my legs. At this point I could already see a way forward with how to manage my chronic pain.”

In particular, the PMP team, made up of multidisciplinary staff, were able to work with Tony on getting ready for work, writing letters explaining his condition to future employers and supplying further information.

Tony said: “After using what the course at the PMP taught me about physical and mental health and wellbeing, I knew securing a job was the next challenge. One of the Occupational Therapists’ Louise drafted a letter for me, explaining to employers why I’ve not been in work recently and what chronic pain is. This piece of paper was incredibly useful, to the point where I secured a job running the office of a local garage.

“My manager even commented on the letter, saying that it was so useful to know when considering an application. I think having that context really helped me to secure the interview, and then later the permanent job. I don’t think people without chronic pain realise how liberating having an understanding work environment can be. I’ve been there a couple of months now part time and I’m comfortable, working hard and I’ve become a valued member of the team. I’m working up to full time hours too. It’s put the biggest smile on my face, and the PMP really helped to make it possible.”

If you want to know more about The Walton Centre’s Pain Management Programme, head to our website: 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 Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

 

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

Read Tony’s getting used to the 9-5 thanks to support from The Walton Centre’s Pain Management Programme…

We are happy to announce a brand new role at The Walton Centre, the first Learning Disabilities and Autism Liaison Nurse. Libby Hall has been at the Trust for over a month now and we had the opportunity to get to know more about her and her role. Read more below...

Tell us what led you to this role...

I have worked with adults and children with learning disabilities and autism for over 23 years now, I initially started my journey as support worker before qualifying in 2008 as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse and I have been in the role since.

 

Why did you decide to go into this role?

Since qualifying as a nurse I have been fortunate to have worked in various setting from inpatients to community. Working closely with liaison nurses I have been able to see how having this role has improved a person's journey accessing a hospital setting. I recognised that I wanted to be part of improving the lives of those with LD/autism to reduce inequalities in a hospital setting.

What does this role mean to you?

I am passionate and proud to be a learning disability nurse. I have transferable skills and knowledge to bring to this role. It is an exciting time to work with all departments and I am privileged to be part of the Walton Centre.

 

What are your plans for the future at The Walton Centre?

Develop links with self-advocates/charities to look at how services could be improved and to support learning disability champions around the Trust. I also aim to be a supportive and reliable point of contact for families and carers.

What is on your bucket list for this year?

To go on holiday with my family and spend quality time with them.

 

What is the best advice you have been given at work?

Don’t be overwhelmed with the task ahead – Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Who is your biggest motivator?
My husband and my daughter

 

Read Spotlight on... Libby Hall, Learning Disabilities & Autism Liaison Nurse…

Having a loved one in the Horsley Intensive Care Unit at The Walton Centre can be a very emotional and worrying time.  

With 20 beds, the unit is full of complex, life-saving machines and critically ill patients. 

For both patients and family members it can be a frightening and confusing experience, so staff have created a new ICU patient diary, to explain what goes on in the unit and chart a patient’s progress. 

Oonagh Doherty, ICU Matron, said: “Patients and family members have found it very useful to look back at notes and diaries they have made during the time they’ve been a patient in ICU. Patients may be in a coma or sedated, or on medication and can’t remember things, which can be very scary. It’s also good for family members; there’s a lot going on and it’s comforting to be able to look back and review progress.” 

The diary also explains the different equipment in ICU, medical terms which might be heard, and has space for family members to complete information about their loved one so staff can get to know them better to enable us to treat them better and with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

-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 Support patient care with new ICU diary…

In 2011, Painter and decorator Robert Shakespeare started experiencing intense daily headaches. Later diagnosed as migraine phenotype, Robert had experienced these headaches on and off over the years, but they were becoming persistent and increasingly painful.

The 51-year-old from Manchester said: “I was getting intense pressure above my eyes and my vision was starting to blur. They really tire me out and my face becomes so painful too. The most unpleasant thing is the auras though, it’s like I’m forced to look through a kaleidoscope.”

After years of investigations and trying different medications, Robert came to the headache service at The Walton Centre, after seeing Dr Nicholas Silver for a consultation.

Robert continued: “I’ve not had a great experience with the NHS in the past, with the GP and other hospitals. But when I came to The Walton Centre that all changed. I feel like the team actually listen to me. Sometimes you can seek help for migraine and there’s a lack of confidence in how to treat you. But knowing there is a fantastic headache service in the North West makes a huge difference.”

The Walton Centre hosts the largest headache service in the UK, with four dedicated consultants who specifically specialise in management of headache disorders alongside a supporting team of nurse specialists. The Walton Centre provides holistic and excellent care to patients who have experienced refractory or severe headache disorders. The nurse specialist team leads the way in the UK with intervention clinics, utilising cranial botulinum toxin and nerve block injections. The service also has innovated in providing non-oral drug treatments such as non-invasive nerve stimulators, nerve block injections, cranial botulinum toxin injections and new classes of drugs such as CGRP monoclonal antibody therapies.

Each patient is unique and deserves patient-centred care so that they can learn how to manage their condition long-term and reduce the impact on their work, family and social life.

Robert said: “Now at The Walton Centre, we’re trying different ways to minimise my migraines, from Botox injections to new medication. It’s starting to work because I’ve gone from constant migraines lasting days and weeks, to only two to five days a month. My care and treatment is ongoing, it has had a positive effect in reducing my severe migraines and we are continuing to treat the level of auras I have. I can’t thank the team enough, it’s so reassuring to have them there. I just wish I had seen them sooner!”

If you want to know more about The Walton Centre’s headache services, go to our website: https://www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk/departments-and-services/headache-service/415522#opI1

-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 ‘Getting the right treatment has meant I can start to get my migraines under control’ Migraine patient Rob tells his story…

Earlier this year, staff from The Walton Centre visited a hospital in Nigeria during their building of a new stroke and neuroscience centre. Here is an extract from Professor Andrew Brodbelt's account of the trip.

Dr Baba Aji and I were on our way to Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria from Abuja, the capital. We were with Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, an interventional radiologist, and the Chief Medical Officer of a large federal hospital complex in a city of three million people. I was looking over the vast dry land, over which we were flying and reflected on the fact that Ahmed makes use of every opportunity to advance his vision of better healthcare for his city, region, and country. We had arrived the day before and had already been to the Nigerian Department of Health and met the permanent secretaries for health and procurement. Describing a plan for a collaboration between The Walton Centre (WCFT) and The University Hospital of Maiduguri (UHM), Ahmed successfully petitioned the department for funding of a CT scanner, MRI, and Angio suite for his new stroke and neuroscience centre. 

I have never been to Africa before. Walking across the tarmac, after disembarking the plane at Maiduguri airport, it was hot, sunny, dry, and dusty. The people were very friendly, and welcoming. We were greeted with a line of people from the hospital welcoming us, then though immigration, and into a waiting car. We followed our security escort, and were driven through the streets of Maiduguri, at speed at times. Vast numbers of cars, small three-wheeled taxis, and bikes were on the road. If there are traffic rules, they involve a lot of horn honking and pushing through at junctions. There were so many people. I felt we were in a living, breathing city. People were in bright colours, with long flowing clothes. There were lots of children about. 

The purpose of our journey was to visit the UHM, meet people working there, see their facilities, attend, and present at a one-day symposium, and agree how a collaboration between the two hospitals could work. There was a lot of building work going on, and we toured several of the sites during our visit. The stroke and neuroscience centre came about because Ahmed noted that stroke patients occupied many of the hospital beds. Patients tended to present late, often many days or weeks after symptom onset, with pressure sores and infections. Ahmed wanted stroke patients treated much earlier to improve their care and outcomes. He agreed funding with the federal government for the building. The stroke centre became a stroke and neuroscience centre following Dr Aji’s advice after visiting in 2023. The building is due to be completed later this year. The ground floor is occupied by an emergency stroke admitting unit, outpatient department, radiology department, and ITU with adjacent neurosurgical theatres. There is an educational centre, and 150 ward beds. 

We also toured the limb reconstruction centre. Due to the previous insurgency related to Boka Harum, there are a great number of people who have lost arms or legs. The centre provides a complete service from initial fitting, manufacturing, and education on use. There is no funded healthcare provision in Nigeria, and although there are subsidies, a minority of people in Maiduguri can afford healthcare. It costs around $200-300 US dollars (£150-£200) to buy a new leg. There are sometimes subsidies available from charitable donations from wealthy Nigerians which can help with affording costs. Incomes in this area are extremely low, even well-paid doctors will earn only £400 a month, and most people earn much less. Schooling must be paid for, and many must decide on medical care, school for the children, or the essentials for living. An additional issue for the hospital is that the electricity supply regularly cuts out. To counter this problem, Ahmed built a solar farm and has the first Linacs (radiotherapy machines) in Nigeria that run purely on solar power. 

 

As well as touring the facilitates, we had an eventful and busy few days. Dr Aji and I presented at the symposium, we took part in a clinical conference, meeting a patient with a brain tumour and his family, and a patient with headache and a cervical disc prolapse. We were interviewed for a TV documentary, and also by the national press, and appeared on the national news. We met the governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, for dinner, and the Shehu of Borno state. The Shehu is the religious leader for Borno state, and for this last meeting I was sized up and provided with dress robes to wear. I felt this was a great honour, and due in no small part to Ahmed’s influence in the region. 

The Walton Centre is currently developing a partnership arrangement with UHM to facilitate cooperation, to include potential educational, research, estate, and clinical collaborations. At the end, we left Maiduguri with new friends and contacts, and a wish to continue to work with them in the future. 

Read Professor Andrew Brodbelt, Consultant Neurosurgeon, tells us about his trip to Africa…