The Walton Centre named first Surgical Spine Centre of Excellence in UK

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust has secured the coveted Surgical Spine Centre of Excellence (SSCoE) status from EUROSPINE.

The Trust was awarded the European-wide quality standard earlier this month, meaning that the hospital joins a certification programme for reputable spine institutions. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of spinal surgery and treatment and also to provide guidance for patients with spinal disorders.

The Walton Centre’s Medical Director Andrew Nicolson said: “It’s a testament to our hard working staff in theatres and throughout the hospital that we’ve been awarded the accolade. We’re constantly striving for high quality care for our patients, so to receive confirmation of this from EUROSPINE is something to celebrate.”

EUROSPINE is a society that aims to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and ideas in the research and treatment of spinal problems and diseases. The accreditation is only awarded to institutions that have highly-qualified personnel, experience, competence and exceptional equipment.

Frank Kandziora from the society said: “The SSCoE accreditation requirements were developed to address the present and future needs of patients and providers, and they are coupled with an objective evaluation process that enables a thorough review of each candidate centre.

“The purpose of the SSCoE programme is to audit and certify the implementation of services that advance spine surgery and spine care as a whole. The Walton Centre is an excellent Neurosurgical Centre and it’s clear that staff across the hospital work hard to provide high quality care.”

For more information about Eurospine, go to www.eurospine.org.