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

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!"

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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