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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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