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Our radiology department is celebrating an incredible ten years of providing a specialist MRI clinic for patients with claustrophobia.

The four-strong team have scanned over 830 patients over the decade, providing crucial information for their diagnosis and care. Created in 2014, the clinic was first supported by the Roy Ferguson fund, set up by The Walton Centre Charity. Originally held on weekends, the clinic proved an important part of the MRI service, scanning patients who previously couldn’t enter a scanning room because of their phobia of enclosed spaces.

Now held during the week, the clinic offers a slower process and additional support for patients. The team ensure a calm and friendly environment, which encourages patients to discuss the triggers for their MR claustrophobia and anxiety. The radiographers suggest strategies and put mechanisms in place to help patients feel comfortable whilst in the scanner, enabling them to complete their scans. The clinic has become so successful that neighbouring hospitals now refer claustrophobic patients for scans.

Lead Radiographer Lisa Weights said: “The clinic provides a unique service, empowering patients to complete their scans and ensuring neurosurgeons and neurologists have the diagnostic information to determine the best course of action for their patients. I’m so proud of what we achieve as a team, it makes an incredible difference to our patients.” 

Deputy Medical Director and Consultant Neuroradiolologist, Dr Sacha Niven said: “Like with many new ideas, you worry that it won’t be well received by patients. However, with the claustrophobia clinic – that wasn’t the case! It’s made an incredible difference to patients and their experience here at The Walton Centre. Even in their initial consultations in outpatients, when they hear there is a specialised clinic designed to put them at ease, they relax almost immediately. It’s a great example of our staff going the extra mile to support our patients any way they can.”

Positive patient feedback has been widely received about the clinic, describing a high level of sympathy and helpfulness. One patient said: “I had to go to MRI last April, but I couldn’t do it. I was referred to the Claustrophobic Clinic. I would like to thank the staff as they did an amazing job.” Another patient said: “Can’t thank you enough, I really didn’t think I would have completed my scan without your assistance”.

 

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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 Radiology MRI Claustrophobia Clinic celebrates ten years of scanning patients at The Walton Centre…

In 2019, then 69-year-old Judith Breese collapsed in a busy concert. According to her daughter she was losing focus on her friends throughout the night and ultimately had a seizure while the performance was starting.

In A&E, Judith had an MRI scan, which revealed a brain tumour the size of an orange and as hard as a rock. Judith was quickly referred to The Walton Centre for an urgent operation to remove it.

Judith, now 75, from Wrexham, said: “I couldn’t believe it when the surgeon told me the size of it. I must admit I had had dizzy spells and a bit of numbness in my arm weeks before, I collapsed at the concert, but I just ignored them. If I had ignored any longer the tumour would’ve been a very different story.

“I was told that the operation needed to be done as soon as possible to remove the tumour, the operation was done by Mr. Farah the day after I arrived at The Walton Centre. It took around 8-9 hours due, but 95% of the tumour was successfully removed – I couldn’t believe it!”

When discussing her care at The Walton Centre, Judith said: “My surgeon Mr. Farah was fantastic, he reassured me of various things before the operation which made me feel completely at ease. I also could not fault the nurses, they were nurturing, calm and made sure I was always as comfortable as possible. I have annual MRI scans and the tumour has only grown slightly, which I am delighted about.”

The outstanding care Judith received has inspired her to fundraise for The Walton Centre Charity. Judith is taking part in the annual ‘Walk for Walton’ which is a 100,000-step virtual challenge, taking place throughout the month of May. Judith expressed that “The Walton Centre saved my life; I would not be here without the amazing care I was given, the least I can do is to give back to the Trust. I have taken part in Walk for Walton the past two years, and I have just signed up for this year.”

Find out more about this year’s Walk for Walton and get involved.

Read Judith talks about her journey that led her to Walk for Walton…

Almost a year to the day, Georgia Garrett had routine gastric sleeve surgery for weight management. During her recovery, Georgia developed a rare kind of peripheral neuropathy.

Georgia said: “My legs began to feel numb and I started falling over more. It got to the point where I couldn’t get up again – that’s when I knew it was serious.”

The 26-year-old was admitted to a ward in Wrexham Maelor for further tests and was assessed and treated by one of The Walton Centre’s Consultant Neurologists’ Dr David Smith. They initially thought it was Guillain-Barré Syndrome, but after treatment, the numbness remained and had started to spread to Georgia’s hands and other parts of her body.

Georgia continued: “Quickly after that I was taken to The Walton Centre for further investigations. It was on Chavasse Ward that they discovered the peripheral neuropathy and started to treat it.”

Georgia was moved to The Walton Centre’s Complex Rehabilitation Unit (CRU), which is also part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Rehab Network, hosted by the specialist Trust. She spent six months on CRU, and after a high level of multidisciplinary support Georgia has been able to go home to recover further. Georgia also benefited from using a therapeutic tilt table, funded by The Walton Centre Charity.

She said: “My rehabilitation was intense! But I’m quite social, so being able to get stuck into any group therapy the team would let me, was very much appreciated. At first, because I had lost feeling in my legs and arms, I was worried about falling forwards on my face, which I was a little embarrassed about. The therapies teams were excellent at making me feel comfortable and addressing my concerns, to the extent where they gave me an exercise to strengthen my core to prevent me falling forward. Using the tilt table was also fantastic in strengthening my legs and getting me upright for the first few times. I’ve gone from a wheelchair to the treadmill during my time here, I can’t believe it.”

Georgia was able to go home to Wrexham and her boyfriend and two dogs in March this year, where she will continue to have rehab support and care closer to home.

She said: “I cannot thank The Walton Centre enough. It’s been an extraordinary year, and to be able to have the specialist rehabilitation available to me has made an incredible difference to my recovery. Everyone involved in my care, from the domestic staff to the different
nursing and therapies teams, you have put my life back on track. It’s slow going, but I’ll keep going and get to my goal of walking again.”

For more information about complex rehabilitation at The Walton Centre, head to www.cmrehabnetwork.nhs.uk.

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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 Georgia’s life is back on track thanks to help from the specialist rehabilitation team at The Walton Centre…

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust’s held its’ first ever ‘green surgical list’ in a bid to improve sustainability. The theatre team looked at all aspects of practice in each patient’s journey through surgery in a day, and optimised elements where possible to reduce their carbon footprint.

Each case on the theatre list for the day was assessed for waste management and how different elements can be switched out for greener, more carbon neutral options.

One of the most important reductions in CO₂ emissions was switching to Total Intravenous Anaesthetic (TIVA), which can significantly reduce carbon output. Other elements such as reuseable surgical hats and gel pads for patient positioning were used. The teams also worked hard to ensure that patient experience remained the same or improved.

On the day, the procedures were carried out by Consultant Neurosurgeon Miss Deepti Bhargava. She said: “Now more than ever it’s important to consider the environment in everything we do. There are little things that we have implemented here that can make a huge impact on our carbon footprint, as well as bigger things like reuseable packs which can be cleaned and used again. It’s been great to see the teams all pull together around this worthwhile cause.”

On average, the team estimates that nearly 100KgCOE2 was saved over the day, a significant reduction when compared to national neurosurgical data.

Sustainability Lead Craig Stanton said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to carry out the first day of a greener theatre list this week. Each NHS Trust has to become net-zero for the care we control by 2040, so striking out now will make such a difference. Already we have learning on how to improve the pathways further and make The Walton Centre an even greener place for patients and do our bit for the environment.”  

This project also relates to staff cycling 120 miles alongside implant manufacturers Abbott UK to deliver spinal implants carbon neutrally in October 2023.

 

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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 celebrates first day of enhanced theatre practice to improve sustainability…

What is your job role?

I’m a trainee Advanced Critical Care Practitioner.

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

I chose this job for a few different reasons, to be honest. Firstly, because we work with critically ill patients and together with the Multidisciplinary Team, we can improve patient outcomes and that is something I am passionate about. I also love that within the Multidisciplinary Team each professional brings a wealth of knowledge and through collaborating and supporting each other we can foster an environment in which we can all grow.

Secondly, because it was a new challenge, I think for me personally it’s important to step out of my comfort zone to progress both professionally and personally. In addition, I knew the Advanced Critical Care Practitioners had a great team and felt confident I could progress in the supportive environment they had created. 

What is your favourite part of your job?

The best part of the job must be seeing the patients improve. Nothing beats seeing patients we have treated come back to Intensive Care Unit, listening to their journey and how much they have improved.

Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had in your role.

I think it's difficult to pick one experience! But seeing junior members of the grow into confident and competent clinicians knowing you have contributed to a small part of their journey is incredibly rewarding. 

What’s the best advice you have received at work?

The best piece of advice I have received was from a university lecturer when I was an undergraduate, but it has stayed with me since then and it was 'you are capable of anything you want to achieve as long as you are prepared to work hard enough for it' and I think that is so true!  

What/who is your biggest motivator at work?

I think my biggest motivator is that health care is constantly evolving, and we need to adapt and learn to continually deliver the best care for our patients and that is a privilege. 

What is on your bucket list for this year?

My goals for the year are to complete my Advanced Critical Care Practitioner training and then to focus on maintaining a healthy work life balance! Which includes plenty of weekends away in our caravan hiking with our dog, spending time with family and friends, and trying to get stronger and fitter in the gym! 

 

Read Spotlight on... Sophie Leach, ACCP…

To highlight Rare Disease Day at The Walton Centre, we have asked Dr Michael Bonello, a Consultant Neurologist, some questions about neurogenetics and what The Walton Centre is doing to help people who have these specific disorders.

What is neurogenetics?

Neurogenetics is a branch of medicine that combines principles of genetics and neurology, focusing on the genetic underpinnings of neurological conditions. It aims to understand the genetic causes and mechanisms of these diseases to develop targeted treatments. In the context of rare diseases, neurogenetics plays a critical role in identifying specific genetic mutations that lead to rare neurological conditions. Modern advances in computing power have enabled faster diagnostic mechanisms, such as whole genome sequencing, which is now available on the NHS, speeding up the diagnostic journey and providing a better understanding of the pathophysiology of rare diseases. Recent advances have also expanded testing, proving crucial in gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms of both rare and common diseases. Excitingly, genetics is expanding into the realm of disease treatments for previously incurable disorders.

 

What kind of neurogenetic disorders do you see in your clinic? Can you tell us about some of the rarest disorders out there?

At The Walton Centre, multiple clinics provide support for rare genetic disorders. The centre runs various subspecialty clinics where appropriate genetic investigations can be conducted. These include specialist clinics for movement disorders, neuromuscular conditions, epilepsy, and cognitive disorders. In the neurogenetics clinics run by Dr. Jenny Higgs (Genetics Consultant) and myself (Neurologist), we provide diagnostic support to patients who require genetic investigations. These patients include those with hereditary ataxia, spastic paraparesis, and genetic movement disorders, among others. The centre also runs specialized clinics for Huntington’s Disease (led by Dr. Alusi and Dr. Davies) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) (led by Dr. Dougan), providing disease-modifying treatments to eligible patients. Genetic treatments are on the horizon, and we are excited about potential new treatments in the pipeline for other rare genetic disorders, with the first disease-modifying treatment for Friedreich’s Ataxia recently approved by the FDA in the USA and currently being assessed by UK regulators.

What do we do at The Walton Centre to help people who have neurogenetic disorders? How does your clinic support patients?

The centre also offers medical support for patients with various debilitating rare disorders. Neurogenetic disorders can be associated with physical disability, and various types of complex treatments, such as EMG/US-guided botulinum toxin injections, are delivered in neuro-rehabilitation and movement disorders clinics. Eligible patients can pursue neurosurgical treatments like deep brain stimulation surgery, hoping to improve symptom control and quality of life.

The implications of receiving a genetic diagnosis affect not only the patients themselves but also their wider family members. Our team has close links with counselling services provided by the Liverpool Women’s genetic services to help support patients in understanding their conditions. We also have strong links with the NHS Northwest genomic labs and are actively involved in multidisciplinary meetings to integrate clinical and laboratory work. This helps interpret very complex results in clinical settings to provide the most appropriate diagnostic outcomes.

Neurogenetics is a constantly evolving medical field, with new advances constantly on the horizon, providing a challenging, complex, but rewarding branch of neurology.

 

Read Q&A with Consultant Neurologist Dr Michael Bonello to raise awareness on Rare Disease Day…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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