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In October 2022, retired police officer Dave Smith was treated at The Walton Centre for a ruptured brain aneurysm. Dave, aged 56 at the time, was out with friends on a Saturday afternoon watching a live rugby match on the touchline when he suddenly developed double vision and slight unsteadiness on his feet.

Dave said, “I was chatting with pals about the match, when suddenly I felt as though I was looking through a kaleidoscope. The club doctor had a look at me and called for an ambulance.”

Dave was rushed to A&E in a friend’s car, where the team there suspected a stroke. However, after further testing and a scan, they found a ruptured aneurysm and he was transferred to The Walton Centre.

Dave said, “They told me I would need emergency surgery, to deal with the bleed. I had a procedure where the aneurysm was ‘coiled’ – everything was explained to me in a calm and reassuring manner which put me at ease".

Endovascular coiling is when tiny platinum coils are placed inside the vessel in the brain causing the bleed. This then prevents the vessel from growing or rupturing further.  

When Dave woke up from his procedure, he said he felt surprisingly good. He had no head pain or sickness after the treatment but was experiencing fatigue and sight problems.

Dave said “I felt brilliant after the procedure. The only thing I was left with though was double vision, this worried me as I didn’t know whether I would be able to be as active. There was no guarantee that the double vision would correct itself, so that was my only concern.”

Thankfully, the double vision began to disappear. Dave explained “Before the aneurysm, I was cycling 200 miles per week and I’m an avid walker and hill climber. My biggest fear was that I would not be able to return to this level of fitness. It’s been an interesting year and a half, but I am finally back to the level I was before the aneurysm. I couldn’t be happier.”

Dave, now 58, will continue to have yearly check-ups and scans at The Walton Centre to monitor his progress.

Dave expressed his gratitude to The Walton Centre saying “I have nothing but praise for the people in the NHS. I honestly couldn’t be more thankful for the amazing staff at the hospital for their exceptional care.”

Read 200 mile a week cyclist Dave is fighting fit after recovering from a bleed on the brain…

Greener Allied Health Professional awareness week is between Monday 22 April and Friday 26 April. Greener AHP week is a chance to raise awareness of how the Trust is becoming more sustainable and how we are committing to NHS net zero.

At the Trust we have been making a conscious effort to be more sustainable as a team. An example of this is our AHPs encouraging patients to return their walking aids that they are no longer using. This has led to us reducing waste and also reducing purchasing costs for the Trust.

Our AHPs have also been involved in things such as our feed bottles recycling project. Denise O’Dwyer, an Advanced Dietician at The Walton Centre said: “This was a project that was identified by the dietetic team at The Walton Centre through patient feedback when a patient highlighted concerns about how much plastic waste was generated when patients were reliant on Enteral feeding (single use syringes, multiple feed bottles daily, sterile water bottles, giving sets).

“It was something I was passionate to take forward with the aim to minimise plastic waste in this patient group. We have recently changed our patient feed bottles (2,220 per annum) from going in clinical waste to mixed plastics recycling."

This project was piloted on Horsley ICU, Denise said "Bottles were previously discarded into clinical waste, but by simply washing them out, they could be put into mixed plastics recycling. Across the Trust, this will save us 60kgCo2E which is the equivalent of driving from The Walton Centre to Portsmouth in a family car."

“The project was supported by the Facilities and Sustainability teams to help implement it on ICU. It’s a project that required a collaborative approach with the MDT to ensure its success. An aspiration going forward would be to implement this across all clinical areas within the trust and to consider recycling of nutritional supplement bottles.”

Read It is Greener AHP Week!…

1. What is your job role?

Head of Finance for Neurosurgery.

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

I first heard about The Walton Centre when my brother spent five weeks on Horsley ITU after a road traffic accident. I was so impressed with the care he received that I wanted to work here. An opportunity came up as a finance assistant 14 years ago and I was lucky enough to get the job. I have stayed within finance learning and taking on different roles but always staying here at the Trust.

3.    What is your favourite part of your job?

Being able to spend time with the different departments and learning about what they do. It’s good to be able to get out of the finance office and see what goes on in the Trust.

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

I recently spent the day in the Labs so I could try and get a better understanding of how they work and what they do. It was amazing to see some of the people that I usually only see in a finance meeting capacity in ‘action’, the work they do is incredible and interesting. It was a reminder of the fantastic work we do here for our patients, and it makes me proud to think that I play a part in helping to make that happen.

5.  What/who is your biggest motivator at work?

Definitely our patients and their families. It is a very personal thing for me.

6.    What is the best advice you have received at work?

If an opportunity comes up, even if it scares you, just give it a go. You never know what it could lead to.

7.    What is on your bucket list for this year?

To visit Morocco with my dad.

Read Spotlight on... Beth Davies, Head of Finance - Neurosurgery…

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.

-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 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.

 

-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 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…