LHCH Matters - Issue 2, 2024

Issue 2 2024
LHCH
matters
The newsletter for our patients,
staff and communities of Liverpool
Heart and Chest Hospital
LHCH is the
TOP place
to work in
the country
– page 2
Mr Richard Page
retires after
40 years – page 4
25 Years of Liverpool
Lung Cancer Unit
– page 6
LHCH Governor
Opportunities
– page 12

Welcome
We are pleased to offer you
a very warm welcome to our
spring edition of LHCH Matters
newsletter.
National Staff Survey results
recently received were fantastic!
These highlight LHCH as the
very best to work in the country.
In addition to this, we are proud
to have achieved the HIMSS
EMRAN Stage 7 rating which is
an international digital accolade.
Mr Richard Page, a legendary
Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, has
now retired after an impressive
40 years here at LHCH. We
wish Mr Page all the very best
for a healthy, happy and well
deserved retirement. Thank you
for everything you have done for
your patients, their families and
colleagues here.
This year marks 25 years
since the establishment of the
Liverpool Lung Cancer Unit. The
service demonstrates an enduring
collaboration between different
NHS Trusts for the benefit of
patients and their families.
We are looking for new
governors to become involved in
our outstanding hospital. If you
are interested please get in touch!
You can read about all of
these topics, and more, within
this newsletter. We hope you
enjoy reading it. If you have
any feedback or suggestions
for future editions please
do get in touch by emailing
Communications@lhch.nhs.uk
Val Davies
Chair
Liz Bishop
Chief Executive
LHCH is TOP place to work in the country
LHCH is the TOP place to work in the country according to the results of this year’s national
NHS Staff Survey 2023, when benchmarked against all trusts.
The results of this year’s survey,
taken from more than 700,000
people working in 268 NHS
organisations, including all 213
trusts in England, also showed that
LHCH was the TOP rated Trust in the
country for five other areas:
l Care is our top priority
l We are compassionate and
inclusive
l We each have a voice that counts
l Staff engagement
l Morale.
Furthermore, this year’s findings
highlighted LHCH as the BEST
performing Acute Specialist Trust in
eight areas, with improved year-on-year
scores for each survey element.
The NHS Staff Survey was carried
out between September and December
2023 and completed by 1209 staff
(64%) at LHCH, which compares with a
national response rate of 48%.
Once again, this year’s survey
aligned with the seven elements of
the NHS People Promise (We are
compassionate and inclusive; We are
recognised and rewarded; We each
have a voice that counts; We are safe
and healthy; We are always learning;
We work flexibly; We are a team), and
also looked at two additional themes
(Staff engagement and Morale) and a
number of other questions.
Jane Royds, Chief People Officer at
LHCH, said: “Thank you to all staff who
completed our staff survey.
“We are extremely delighted with the
New Medical Director starts at LHCH
We are delighted to have officially
welcomed Mr Manoj Kuduvalli, to
his new role of Medical Director, on
1st April 2024.
Mr Kuduvalli joined LHCH more than
20 years ago as a specialist registrar
in cardiothoracic surgery, before
being appointed Consultant Cardiac
Surgeon in 2007, and then in 2017
becoming Associate Medical Director
for Surgery.
Mr Kuduvalli will build on the
outstanding work of Dr Raphael Perry,
findings and feedback from our staff
in this year’s national survey, which
show how highly they value LHCH as
an outstanding place to work, and as
an outstanding place for our patients
to receive care and treatment. Knowing
that our staff recognise LHCH so highly
is really important and means so much
to us all.
“The feedback that we receive from
our staff each year is always gratefully
received because their voice is
important to us. However, where there
are areas that we can make further
improvements to our services and
provisions for staff, we will look to work
with our teams to undertake action in
the next 12 months.
who recently retired after more than 30
years working at LHCH. Mr Kuduvalli
spoke to LHCH Matters about his first
weeks in his new role:
“I feel privileged to have taken
on this new role at this outstanding
specialist hospital which has been
my professional home since the year
2000. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting
many LHCH colleagues and partners
from across the healthcare system
whilst I settle into my new executive
role, and I have learnt several aspects
LHCH achieves prestigious
HIMSS EMRAM Stage 7
international digital accolade
LHCH is honoured to join an elite
group of hospitals around the world
who have successfully validated
against the HIMSS (Healthcare
Information and Management
Systems Society) international
EMRAM Stage 7 standards.
EMRAM – the Electronic Medical
Record Adoption Model – assesses
a health facility’s adoption and
maturity of its digital capabilities.
Being validated at Level 7 confirms
that LHCH has achieved the highest
international quality standard for
excellence in digital and data to
support outstanding patient care and
services.
A rigorous on-site assessment took
place in early March 2024, with LHCH
being the first trust in Europe to be
assessed against the new and more
LHCH colleagues are pictured with HIMSS inspectors after
receiving the outcome of the assessment.
about areas I haven’t been familiar
with so far. I have also attended my
first board meeting.
“The quality of care and attention
to detail shown by the team at LHCH
is extremely good. The staff are
completely committed to ensuring
patients and their families have a
very positive experience. I’m looking
forward to carry on working with
everyone here in ensuring we continue
to deliver the best care we possibly
can.”
extensive Stage 7 HIMSS standards.
HIMSS inspectors observed clinical
staff using the Trust’s electronic patient
record system and electronic data and
analytics functions, to demonstrate
how digital use is embedded
throughout clinical practice to improve
patient care and to drive service
improvement.
Liz Bishop, LHCH Chief Executive,
said: “We’re thrilled that LHCH has
achieved such a prestigious rating, at
Stage 7, with HIMSS. This is testament
to the incredible digital vision here at
LHCH and the professionalism of all
our teams who have embraced new
digital ways of working and adopted
new technology to enable us to deliver
outstanding care for our patients.”
Kate Warriner, LHCH Chief Digital
and Information Officer,
said: “I’m so proud of
our digital, operational
and clinical teams, and
all the incredible work
they have done across
the Trust to achieve this
accreditation. We’ve
been on a remarkable
digital journey in recent
years, and since
achieving HIMSS Stage
6 in the middle of the
pandemic in 2021, this
progress has continued
at pace.
“Through the
integration of clinical
systems, embedding information
sharing across care services, and
investing in digital infrastructure, cyber
security and intelligence-led care, staff
have been enabled to deliver even
better, safer and more efficient patient
care.”
Kate added: “While it is clearly
a tremendous achievement to
have received EMRAM Stage 7
accreditation, we know there’s even
more we can do. As such, we will
continue to look for ways to harness
digital technologies to further optimise
patient care, safety and effectiveness of
our services.”
2 3

Mr Richard Page
retires after
40 years at LHCH
It’s been almost 40 years since Mr Richard
Page, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, first
stepped foot into LHCH, then known as the
Regional Adult Cardiothoracic Centre (RACTU),
as a Senior House Officer (trainee doctor).
A nationally respected surgeon who
has given so much to his patients,
their families, colleagues and the
NHS, has started his well-deserved
retirement, but leaves behind a
fantastic legacy of which we’re all
proud.
LHCH Matters had the pleasure of
meeting Mr Page to chat about where it
all started, his memories, and his future
plans.
Can you tell us how you came to
work here at LHCH?
I’d studied in Liverpool and during my
time at medical school I had worked
over at Broadgreen Hospital at various
times between 1979 and 1982.
In 1985, I was looking for a job and
I had two interviews planned. I didn’t
get the position in Manchester, but
Professor Ray Donnelly, Consultant
Thoracic Surgeon, offered me a shortterm
role here for six months. After this,
I got a job back in Manchester where
I was living, but then two years later,
I was appointed as a registrar here in
Liverpool and have stayed ever since!
Holly Suite.
Why did you want to become a
thoracic surgeon?
During my time in Manchester, I always
wanted to do general surgery, but
gradually realised that I wanted to
specialise in cardiothoracic surgery.
I was really pleased to become a
cardiothoracic consultant here in 1994.
At the time, there was a great need
for thoracic (lung) surgery and when
Professor Donnelly retired, I gave up
Mr Page is pictured with colleagues on his last day of operating in theatre.
Mr Page on his last day in clinic.
cardiac (heart) surgery to focus solely
on thoracic surgery. There were three
of us doing specialist thoracic surgery,
which was quite unusual as most
centres had cardiothoracic surgeons
rather than specialists focusing on the
one field.
Can you tell us about your national
work?
When I gave up cardiac surgery
to specialise in thoracic surgery,
colleagues across the country were
surprised. It was unusual at the time,
and there were very few dedicated
thoracic surgeons who were my age.
This decision I made ended up bringing
about a lot of good things for me and
I was often contacted for my clinical
opinion by colleagues from across the
country.
How has our services developed
over the years?
In the 1990s smoking was rife and
there was almost no research to try
and improve outcomes for patients.
Professor Donnelly, who was also the
Medical Director here, had a vision
to change this. He founded the Roy
Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to
carry out ground-breaking research
in many aspects of lung cancer. This
research assisted with the design of
many lung cancer clinical screening
programmes currently available today.
In 2000, the NHS Cancer Plan was
introduced, and this formalised the
requirement that every patient with
cancer should have a multi-disciplinary
team discuss their diagnosis and
treatment.
❝
I am very proud of this
hospital and what we have been
able to achieve for patients.
I’m also proud to have worked
alongside so many excellent
colleagues here.
❞
Our services started to expand to
continue to meet the demand and
support treatment of lung cancer. As
you would expect, lung cancer surgery
is urgent and therefore the service
cannot have long waiting lists.
It was different when I first started
out, but increasingly over the years
our team of thoracic surgeons have
worked increasingly closely with
chest physicians and oncologists
around radiotherapy, chemotherapy
and immunotherapy, with the aim of
providing the very best care for the
patient possible.
Proudest moments?
I am very proud of this hospital and
what we have been able to achieve
for patients. I’m also proud to have
worked alongside so many excellent
colleagues here.
One of the things I am most proud
of, was being elected President of the
Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery. I
must have had a lot of support to be
elected and I really enjoyed working
with colleagues nationally to make a
difference.
At one time we offered oesophageal
cancer surgery here at LHCH and I
would receive referrals from across
a wide catchment area. Some of the
patients I was able to help had not
been offered treatment elsewhere, and
one such patient went on to form a
Mr Page with Professor Ray Donnelly who, as Medical Director in the 1990s, founded the
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
local Oesophageal Patient Association
Group. I am particularly proud of what
we were able to do for this patient, her
family and for many others just like her.
What’s the future for thoracic
surgery?
I will miss the place, but I know I’m
leaving the service in a very strong
position. Unfortunately, lung cancer is
not going to go away and so there will
be more and more patients to care for.
It’s a growth speciality.
There are opportunities for us to
support other patients. For example,
the fluid around a person’s lungs
can become infected and patients
often present to A&E departments at
other hospitals. This is something our
LHCH colleagues have the skill and
specialism to help with.
❝
I will miss the place, but I
know I’m leaving the service in a
very strong position.
What are you looking forward to?
I work part time currently and have
enjoyed long weekends off, and so I am
really looking forward to enjoying more
of the same.
On behalf of everyone here at LHCH
thank you to Mr Page for your
exceptional service over so many years.
You have helped to save countless
lives, impacted so many families
and made such a difference to the
treatment of lung cancer - not just here
in Liverpool, but across the country
and beyond!
Mr Page at his retirement celebration with LHCH consultants from the past and present.
❞
4
5

25 years of The Liverpool Lung Cancer Unit
Some of the multidisciplinary team in 2007.
Background
The prevalence of lung cancer
in Liverpool is far greater than
the national average. It is the
commonest cancer in the local
population and the highest cause
of cancer death. Unlike many other
cancers, it often presents “late”
and up to a third are only diagnosed
after an acute admission to hospital.
To tackle this, in April 2000 clinicians
working between The Cardiothoracic
Centre (now known as Liverpool
Heart and Chest Hospital) and the
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
(now part of Liverpool University
Hospitals Foundation Trust) created
the Liverpool Lung Cancer Unit.
This brought together the inpatient
facilities of a large district general
hospital with the diagnostic and
investigative capabilities of a
dedicated specialist unit, with
the aim to provide seamless
care for patients through the
diagnostic journey. The service
demonstrates an enduring
collaboration between different
NHS Trusts for the benefit of
patients and their families.
The service was set up as
a rapid “one stop” diagnostic
service, with onward referral at
one week, but this has evolved as new
methods of working, technological
advancements, and new treatments
have become available.
The Liverpool Lung Cancer has
always been at the forefront of
national lung cancer innovation. For
example, it was the first to adopt a
multidisciplinary team approach to lung
cancer working and it was the first to
introduce the concept of “flagging”
a potential lung cancer diagnosis
on radiological imaging to facilitate
timely investigation. These are both
now standard practices in cancer
management throughout the UK.
Changes
In January 2014, the ‘straight to CT’
model was introduced, whereby an
abnormal chest X-ray ordered by a GP
would prompt a chest CT scan without
the need for clinician intervention,
thereby removing a common delay in
the diagnostic pathway. This innovation
meant that patients without lung
cancer could be quickly reassured,
avoiding prolonged distress and
anxiety, whilst those who needed
further investigation could be provided
with a timely diagnosis.
Virtual clinics
At the same time, the service launched
‘virtual’ clinics, whereby following
a remote assessment by the
medical team, the specialist
lung cancer nursing
team would contact the
patient and offer the
next test, abolishing
the need to be
seen in a traditional
clinic which simply
adds delays into the
pathway.
In 2016, NHS England
published the national
optimal lung cancer
pathway. The Liverpool Lung Cancer
Unit model of care was considered
when developing this pathway.
The specialist lung cancer nursing
team is pivotal in the smooth running
of this service, building a strong
rapport with the patient through the
journey from diagnosis to treatment.
Care is individualised, holistic and
the team work to improve symptoms,
whilst offering detailed explanations
and preparing them for any tests or
treatment. Patient feedback from these
virtual clinics is exceptional. Often
the virtual appointment provides an
opportunity for patients to talk more
openly. However, virtual clinics may not
suit everyone, and mindful of this the
option is always available for in-person
appointments.
The service is so effective that during
the pandemic there were no delays in
the patient journey and the Liverpool
Lung Cancer Unit helped the Aintree
Lung Cancer Unit by managing all
their suspected outpatient lung cancer
cases from the north part of the city.
Achievements
Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT), a
programme to help improve the quality
of care within the NHS, undertook a
review of the lung cancer service in
2020. The findings were outstanding,
and the service was lauded nationally
as exemplar practice.
Throughout the past 25 years, the
service developed the skills and
expertise of experienced colleagues,
who have worked tirelessly to impact
thousands of lives. The service
diagnosed over 500 people with lung
cancer in 2022 alone.
Future
The future now looks brighter for lung
cancer care. Colleagues from the
Liverpool Lung Cancer Unit were at
the forefront of the Liverpool Healthy
Lung Programme which began in 2016,
and later transitioned to a national
Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC)
Programme in 2021. This programme
works with communities across
Liverpool, Knowsley, Halton, St Helens
and South Sefton to diagnose cancer
in its earliest stages, often before
symptoms occur. Around 80% of lung
cancers diagnosed within the TLHC
services are at stage 1 and 2 (suitable
for curative treatment). Ultimately
this means thousands of lives can be
saved if lung cancer is identified earlier
and treated swiftly – a significant and
welcome shift for our patients from
where we started 25 years ago.
6 7

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION NEWS
HEAT-PPCI – ten years on
Ten years ago this month, at the annual meeting of the American College of
Cardiology, held in Washington DC, researchers from LHCH presented the
results of a clinical trial that would go on to have a massive, international impact both on
cardiology care and on approaches to how clinical research is performed.
HEAT-PPCI (How Effective are
Anti-thrombotic Therapies in
Primary Percutaneous Coronary
Intervention) was a single-centre
randomised controlled trial -
conceived, planned, performed and
reported by LHCH.
It compared two different drugs
that were both in routine use around
the world, competing to be the anticoagulant
of choice, for use at the
time of emergency PCI for heart attack
patients. The headline results of the
trial showed that the cheaper of the
two agents was at least as good as
(possibly better than) the alternative
The HEAT-PPCI team pictured at the American
College of Cardiology Annual Meeting in 2014.
Telehealth in Cardiac Surgery (TiCS)
Our LHCH Research team are
delighted that the Telehealth in
Cardiac Surgery (TiCS) study
has been shortlisted for a HSJ
Digital Award in the category of
Empowering Patients through
Digital category.
The LHCH Research Team and Mr Bil
Kirmani, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon,
have recently recruited the 300th
patient to the TiCS research trial after
opening the study in March 2023.
that cost about 400-800 times as
much. The resulting cost savings
were substantial, saving about $700
million each year in the USA and
about £500,000 annually in LHCH. The
results of the study were subsequently
replicated in other studies from
Scandinavia and clinical guidelines
on both sides of the Atlantic were
changed to reflect the findings.
Perhaps just as importantly, the study
pioneered some novel approaches to
clinical research – HEAT was:
l at that time, the largest ever singlecentre
trial in the world history of
cardiovascular medicine (only now
surpassed by our more recent ARCH
trial)
l the only trial to have recruited a true
consecutive series of all patients
presenting with the condition of
interest (every patient – every time)
and this makes it more likely that
the trial results will reflect everyday
clinical needs (a concept called
external validity or generalisability)
l an exemplar in approaches to patient
consent for research in emergency
settings
l a unique venture with all members of
This trial is looking at
the periods either side
of the hospital stay for
patients undergoing heart
surgery. This assesses
the time spent at home before coming
to hospital and the time back at home
after discharge and post-surgery.
One of the aims of the study is to find
out if regular monitoring at home, with
a smart device (telehealth monitoring),
helps to improve quality of life for a
our clinical teams working together to
deliver the research vision.
On the 70th anniversary of the
foundation of the NHS, the National
Institute for Health and Care Research
(NIHR), as a special celebratory event,
named the 70 greatest NHS research
achievements over those years. We can
take great pride in the fact that HEAT-
PPCI was included in this auspicious
list – a testament to the commitment,
dedication and professionalism of
the many hundreds of our staff who
worked so hard to deliver a world
first, with global, massive impact for
patients, for health-care costs and for
research development.
The HEAT-PPCI team were awarded the
Team of the Year Award at the LHCH Grand
Awards 2014.
patient undergoing
heart surgery. We
would also like
to see if regular
monitoring can
prevent any worsening of their
condition that may require them
to seek additional medical help or
their surgery being delayed.
Congratulations to the TiCS
research team for this welldeserved
recognition.
LHCH is top recruiter
for SCOOT study
The LHCH Research team are currently undertaking the
SCOOT study.
This looks at Sample Collection for the Integration and Analysis
of Data Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Patient Outcomes
with Thoracic Diseases.
The purpose of SCOOT is to collect a blood sample from
patients who have been referred for further tests following a
healthy lung scan and:
l Develop new ways of finding and diagnosing lung health
problems, such as lung cancer
l Develop tools which make it easier to screen people with
possible lung health problems, diagnose problems earlier and
with fewer tests, and start the best treatment faster
l Help improve the early diagnosis of lung cancer, as finding
lung cancer early means that it can be treated more easily and
successfully.
At the time of writing
LHCH had so far
recruited 123 patients
to the study, is the top
recruiting site, and have
continually recruited
well! This is impressive
with 454 participants
having been recruited in
total from sites around
the country.
Magenta Black, Clinical Research Lead Nurse for
the SCOOT study.
Radiology Recognition
Dr Monika Radike, Consultant
Cardiothoracic Radiologist attended
the world’s largest international
scientific cardiovascular magnetic
resonance imaging conference,
CMR 2024, where she presented at
a session on mentorship with some
luminaries in the field.
A visiting fellow who spent three
months at LHCH, showcased his
positive experience here and personal
discovery of the sub-specialty and Dr
Radike added a mentor’s perspective.
It was wonderful to see that the work
of LHCH Radiologists was also recently
selected as the Editor’s choice of the
month by the official journal of the
Royal College of Radiologists.
The article, to review histologically
confirmed diffuse idiopathic pulmonary
neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia
(DIPNECH) cases and carry out a
detailed pathological–radiological
An excellent year
in research
58
studies are currently
ongoing at LHCH, over40
of which are supported by the
National Institute for Health and
Care Research (NIHR).
30+
correlation, is in the February issue.
Well done to the team for being one of
only twelve chosen for the year.
If you are interested in being involved in research at LHCH please contact research@lhch.nhs.uk
17
new studies were opened for
our patients to participate in
over the 2023/24 period.
studies are currently
in the pipeline for
potentially opening at LHCH.
1362
participants have
been recruited to
studies in 2023/24 at LHCH, of
which 1307 are in studies that are
supported by the NIHR.
8 9

Cystic Fibrosis telemedicine clinics improve
patient experience
First Aurora EV-ICD implanted at LHCH
LHCH Consultant Cardiologists, Dr
Matthew Kahn and Dr Archana Rao
and their teams, are delighted to
have implanted the first Aurora EV-
ICD at LHCH on 20th March.
They said: “Transvenous implantable
cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are
the standard for prevention of sudden
cardiac death.
“The Aurora EV-ICD offers the
advantages of an extravascular
system, while also providing features
of transvenous ICDs. Because the lead
is placed close to the heart, the energy
required for pacing and defibrillation
is lower than if it was further away and
separated from the heart by bone.
“As a result, the Aurora system
possesses important features: ATP,
Pause Prevention pacing (backup
bradycardia pacing), and 40 joule
defibrillation, all in a device the same
size as transvenous ICDs and with
similar projected longevity.”
Good practice in people with Cystic
Fibrosis (pwCF) advocates regular
monitoring to ensure the best
outcomes.
However, at the advent of the 2020
COVID-19 pandemic, pwCF were
deemed an extremely vulnerable
group who were required to shield,
necessitating an alteration in their
routine care.
With help from the LHCH IT services,
the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) team set up
video-assisted clinics (VACs) every
day of the working week involving all
members of the CF multi-disciplinary
team, underpinned by the rollout of
quality assured smart cloud-based
spirometry packages and weighing
scales, allowing remote objective
management for pwCF.
This model of care increased clinical
activity whist reducing clinic nonattendance
rates. It also improved
pwCF’s access to multi-disciplinary
team services, abolishing their need
to travel and the risk of cross-infection
thereby improving appointment
convenience.
Highlights from this service over the
last year includes:
l Virtual clinics involving 10
different areas of Cystic Fibrosis
multi-disciplinary expertise
l 70 Cystic Fibrosis team
members providing 885 virtual
consultation episodes.
The LHCH Cystic Fibrosis VAC model
of care has received excellent feedback
from our pwCF.
One person with Cystic Fibrosis said:
“Video clinics have been great for me.
I live on the Isle of Man and travelling
to clinic for an hour at the hospital
takes all day and is exhausting. I don’t
dread clinic anymore. It’s really has
been amazing for me and hope it can
continue.”
Minimal access surgical approach improves patient care at LHCH
It’s been almost eighteen months
since the launch of the Endoscopic
Vein Harvesting (EVH) approach at
LHCH.
Since the introduction of this,
minimally invasive surgical approach,
the wide range of benefits to both the
patient, and the staff experience have
been evident.
Endoscopic Vein harvesting forms
part of the Coronary Artery Bypass
Graft (CABG) which is the most
common cardiac surgery procedure
undertaken at LHCH and worldwide.
This requires the harvesting of a
vein from the leg and attaching it to
the coronary artery. This is currently
performed as an open procedure
which requires one long incision or
multiple incisions in one or both legs,
with frequent associated wound
complications.
This new initiative allows the
incision to be reduced to 2cm which
reduces pain, intraoperative blood
loss, rates of infection, antibiotic
use and the need for future wound
management. In addition to this, the
EVH approach ultimately results in
quicker mobilisation and recovery for
patients to discharge.
Celia Ireland, Lead Surgical Care
Practitioner at LHCH said: “We are
really pleased to have completed
over 200 cases to date using the EVH
approach at LHCH. There have been
no wound infections recorded and
all the patient feedback received has
been overwhelmingly positive.
“Due to the success of this, we
have been able to start training a third
Surgical Care Practitioner to perform
this technique. This will help us to
increase the number of patients who
are able to benefit from having this
procedure. The outcomes of all cases
are always audited to ensure that we
are reaching our predicted outcomes.
The team are really thrilled with the
progress so far.”
Mr Bil Kirmani, Consultant Cardiac
Surgeon, provided his perspective
about this new approach: “We are all
exceptionally proud of our Surgical
Care Practitioner Team for their
commitment to deliver this advanced,
modern technique.
“We have observed a strong
preference from patients to have
minimal-incision surgery. Knowing
that we offer this has improved their
confidence considerably. We’ve also
found that the procedure has reduced
the operating time required on the
leg.
“Following surgery, the we’ve
seen far fewer concerns or delays
to discharge caused by leg wound
problems. The results in terms of
comfort and aesthetics for patients
have been superb.”
Mr Bil Kirmani, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon with Surgical Care Practitioners, Celia Ireland
and Dan Burn.
National
award
Congratulations to Mr Michael
Shackcloth, Consultant Thoracic
Surgeon, who has been awarded
the national 2024 Golden Lungs
Trainer Award Winner by The
Society for Cardiothoracic
Surgery (SCTS) in Great Britain
and Ireland
Mr Shackcloth was presented
this at The SCTS Annual Meeting
2024, held in Wales, in March. This
was presented in recognition of
his exceptional training of peers.
Well done to Mr Shackcloth on this
outstanding achievement.
10 11

Could you become an LHCH
Governor?
LHCH will shortly be running
elections to fill the following
Public Governor seats:
Merseyside – 2 seats
Cheshire – 3 seats
North Wales – 1 seat
Rest of England & Wales – 1 seat
If you are a Foundation Trust public
member (or would like to register),
are enthusiastic, have time to commit
to the role, basic IT skills and some
business skills then this could be the
voluntary role for you!
The role is an important one, it
will give you knowledge and insight
into the NHS and specifically in the
running of an ‘Outstanding’ specialist
hospital. You will have influence. You
will also have the opportunity to meet
Preventing heart disease in
the community
As you may know, LHCH loves
to get out and about and spread
awareness of heart and lung health
across different communities
around the North West.
That’s why this coming May, our
Strategic Partnerships team will be
making their way into Warrington as
we partner up with Bents Home and
Garden Centre.
Come along for
your health check
Where?
Bents Home and Garden Centre,
Warrington Rd, Leigh End,
Glazebury, Warrington WA3 5NT
When?
20th September, 11am - 3pm
Who?
LHCH Cardiovascular Disease
Prevention team
patients, colleagues, executives
and non-executives. Perhaps most
significantly, you will be able to bring
your experience to bear in improving
services for the benefit of our
patients and their families, and in so
doing make a real difference.
You can obtain more information
about the role and process by visiting
www.cesvotes.com/lhchnhsft2024
or contact Civica Election Services
on 020 889 9203 or by emailing
ftnominationenquiries@cesvotes.
com.
Nomination forms will be available,
following Notice of Election, on 10th
May 2024.
The deadline for completion is
10th June 2024.
Our community team will be
holding one of their brilliant Live Well,
Work Well events for all of the Bents
employees to benefit from. They’ll be
performing health checks including
a mini-ECG, blood pressure, basic
cholesterol, BMI calculation followed
with a healthy lifestyle chat.
We look forward to supporting
our community team with their first
event and really look forward to
our September public facing event
focusing on World Heart Day. Running
on the 20th September, the team will
once again be offering health checks to
all attendees and spreading awareness
of the importance of lifestyle changes
on the body with particular focus on
heart health.
Meet the LHCH
volunteers
Here at LHCH, we are fortunate
to have close to eighty volunteers
in various roles across the
hospital.
This time we meet Hazel who
is a volunteer within our busy
Outpatients Department. She is
also a great supporter of LHCH
Charity having made gorgeous
jewellery for sale before Christmas.
Why did you want to become a
LHCH volunteer?
My son works here and said what a
fabulous workplace it is. I’m retired
now and had the time to help out.
My friend was also treated here.
LHCH extended his life and so it’s
great to be able to offer my support.
Can you describe a typical day?
I help patients book in for their
appointment. Sometimes they may
be upset or anxious so I do my best
to comfort them or get them further
support when needed. I also keep
the department tidy and clear of
obstructions ensuring patient and
staff safety at all times.
Best thing about volunteering
here?
The staff are
amazing! They
make me feel so
welcome and
very much
part of the
team.
I love
them
to bits
and
like to
make
them
cakes.
LHCH regularly recruits new
volunteers.
To find out more please visit
www.lhch.nhs.uk/volunteeringat-lhch/
or email volunteers@lhch.nhs.uk
Stress Awareness Month
April marked national Stress
Awareness Month.
The theme ‘little by little’ highlights
the transformative impact of
consistent, small positive actions on
overall wellbeing. To raise awareness
of this Dr Louise Roper, LHCH Health
Psychologist joined our Heart and
Chest Matters Podcast.
Dr Roper discusses the role of
a health psychologist and clearly
explains the symptoms of different
types of anxiety and stress. Dr Roper
also provides in depth and practical
advice on how to alleviate symptoms,
prevent stress and burnout and how to
LHCH Matters recently chatted with Bob, from
Tuebrook, who is an LHCH patient.
Over twenty years ago Bob, who lives
in Tuebrook in Liverpool, went for a
routine check-up at his GP.
In his early fifties, he had no
symptoms at the time and an irregular
heartbeat was detected. Bob was
referred to see the specialist team
at LHCH and diagnosed with atrial
fibrillation.
“Obviously it was a frightening time
for me, but the staff were wonderful
and put me and my wife at ease
straight away. Over the years I’ve had
cardioversion treatment which aims
to get your abnormal heart
rhythm (arrhythmia) back to
a normal pattern. I’ve also
had two catheter ablations
aiming to correct certain
types of abnormal heart
rhythms by blocking electrical
pathways in the heart. The
first one of which used heat
(radiofrequency ablation) and
the second used freezing
(cryoablation) on the area
of the heart causing the
abnormal heart rhythm.
“I remember in the first
ablation the doctor telling
support others who may be struggling.
She also shares hints and tips for
further helpful resources.
OVER TO YOU...
me afterwards that the team at Alder
Hey Childrens Hospital had saved
his daughter’s life at the same time I
had my procedure. I thought it was
exceptional that he had been able to
offer such excellent care and attention
to me during a worrying time for him.
He was amazing. All the staff at LHCH
from the hygiene assistants, porters,
administration staff, doctors, nurses,
therapists and the wider clinical
team were all fantastic. I feel lucky to
have such an outstanding specialist
hospital on my doorstep.
“Putting myself in a new patient’s
shoes I’d tell them to put their trust in
the team at LHCH. They are excellent
and explain everything so clearly.
The team will improve your quality of
life. Personally, I’ve had a great life
because of the treatment I’ve received
from the hospital. I have an active
lifestyle attending exercise classes
twice a week. I am retired now and
enjoy time with my family, holidays
and going to the theatre.
”I’m still a patient now but I have felt
well, and my heart has been in sinus
rhythm which is a normal function of
the heart. I may be discharged soon.”
To listen to the podcast please visit
www.lhch.nhs.uk/membership-zone
or scan the QR code.
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13

Employee of the Month Awards
Each month we are pleased to present one of our outstanding colleagues with the
‘Best of the Best’ Employee of the Month Award. These awards recognise those who
consistently go the extra mile for our patients, families, staff and visitors. Well done to
all our recent winners on this much deserved recognition.
JANUARY
Pauline Schofield, Office Manager, Radiology
Congratulations to Pauline Schofield, Office Manager for
Radiology who was awarded the Employee of the Month
Award for January 2024. Pauline was nominated by
numerous colleagues who said: “Pauline is the soul of the
Radiology Department. She knows every detail of how our
department runs and she is there to support, solve problems
and give wise advice to everyone. I am so grateful to her,
and I feel honoured to work with her.”
“Pauline is dedicated, sincere, hardworking and always
ready to help.”
“Pauline is kind to her colleagues. She comes in early to
work and leaves late!”
“She underpins the busy service, always helpful, organised
and calm. Understated.”
“Pauline is a wonderful team person. She never says no
to anything. Pauline is the ‘go to’ person for me. She is
definitely an unsung hero.”
MARCH
Mikey Miello,
Building Services
Engineering
Apprentice,
Estates
Mikey was
presented the
Employee of the
Month Award for
March 2024 by
Liz Bishop, Chief
Executive.
Mikey was
nominated by
a number of colleagues for working consistently at an
outstanding level. Recently, Mikey also showed great
compassion and initiative in providing support to a visitor
onsite recently. Mikey truly went above and beyond and
demonstrates all the LHCH values and behaviours.
FEBRUARY
Mr Mostafa Snosi, Cardiothoracic Surgery Registrar
Liz Bishop, Chief Executive and Mr Manoj Kuduvalli,
Medical Director were pleased to present Mr Mostafa Snosi,
Cardiothoracic Surgery Registrar with the Employee of the
Month Award for February.
Mostafa was nominated for providing fantastic support to
his colleagues, providing reassurance and commitment to
their development. He is always willing and eager to teach
and providing them with valuable clinical guidance. His
colleague said: “It has been a great privilege to witness
and learn from the
way he performs
his roles as a
surgeon. He cares
for his patients
and provides them
with the best care
in, and out of
theatre, as well
as supporting
and respecting
everyone in his
team.”
Scan the QR code to nominate a
deserving LHCH staff member as
your ‘Best of the Best’ Employee of
the Month or visit www.lhch.nhs.uk
Lady Dodd is pictured with Dr Rebecca Dobson, Consultant Cardiologist and
members of the Cardiac Diagnostics team.
Calling all golfers
LHCH Charity has recently been
chosen by the Lady Captain of
Prenton Golf Club as her Charity of
the Year and that got us thinking.
If you are a member of a golf club or
other sporting hobby group – tennis,
anyone? How about giving some
thought to either organising a charity
day for LHCH or nominating us as your
Charity of the Year.
We can give you great support, so
you don’t have do everything yourself,
why not give Robyn a ring on
0151 600 1409 or email her at
robyn.sefton@lhch.nhs.uk to have a
chat!
Are you tough
enough?
A number of Team LHCH are getting
ready to become MuckyTeamLHCH
as they take on the Tough Mudder.
Covering 10 kilometres and 20
different obstacles including ice baths,
climbing walls and even an electro
current net this is a challenge not for
the faint hearted. If you don’t fancy
getting dirty yourself, why not give
them some support at
www.lhchcharity.org.uk
To find out more about LHCH
Charity give them a ring on
0151 600 1409 or email
enquiries@lhchcharity.org.uk
Lady Dodd visits
Cardio-Oncology
We were thrilled to welcome Lady Dodd to our Cardio-
Oncology service in March to view the new state of the
art 3D Echo machine which the Ken Dodd Charitable
Foundation helped us to purchase.
This equipment will facilitate fast and accurate screening
that our cancer patients who have, or are at risk of heart
disease need to help in planning their medical treatments.
A huge thank you to Lady Dodd, the Ken Dodd
Charitable Foundation and our LHCH Charity supporters in
helping us to bring this vital piece of equipment into LHCH
and ensuring our cardio-oncology patients get the very
best treatment possible.
Thank you!
A huge thank you to everyone who
responded to our recent letter about
LHCH Charity changing our bank
account details.
Not only did you get your forms back
but many of you also increased your
giving. We know times are tough out
there so thank you so much for your
continuing support.
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15

Your support makes all the difference
Your support makes all the difference
LHCH Charity exists to support Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. Thanks to donations
from our supporters, we help to keep the hospital the outstanding care giver that it is.
If you can make a donation you will be helping us to change the lives of thousands of
people living with heart and lung disease each and every day.
How your donation makes a difference
£5 could provide special aids for staff working with patients with dementia
£10 could provide an aromatherapy session for someone living with cancer
£20 could provide equipment for someone undergoing rehabilitation
£50 could support our work in the community
I would like to make a donation of £5 £10 £20 £50 Other _____
Please make all cheques payable to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity
Please return this form to: Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity, Freepost RRLL-KSHT-
ZLKE, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE
Your details (Please print)
Title First name Surname
Address
Postcode
Email
I give you permission to email me about this donation and to keep me up to date with the work of LHCH Charity.
Gift Aid it and make more of your donation!
I want to Gift Aid my donation of £___
and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to the Liverpool
Heart and Chest Hospital Charity.
PLEASE TICK ONE BOX ONLY
I am a UK tax payer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in
the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my
responsibility to pay any difference
I am NOT a UK taxpayer
Signed
Date
LHCH Charity values your privacy and we never share your details with outside organisations. Your information will only be used to fulfill your request and keep you up to date with
our activities. If you would prefer not to receive any further communications from LHCH Charity please tick this box For a complete statement of our Privacy Policy and how we use
your data please visit www.lhchcharity.org.uk
Keep a copy for your records
The funds you have donated will be used for the purposes you have indicated. If for any unforeseen reason we
are unable to complete your request or there are surplus funds, we will use the donations for the benefit of the
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
Charirt registration number 1052813
Charity registration number 1052813
Privacy notice for our Members
We collect and hold public and staff member information for the purposes of the Trust to meet the legal
requirements set out in UK law, or exercise the official authority established for a Foundation Trust as a
public body.
Personal information will only be used to fulfil the requirements in relation to the individual’s membership of Liverpool
Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and not shared elsewhere.
Staff and Public Members can opt out at any time by contacting the Membership Office on 0151 600 1410 or by
emailing membership.office@lhch.nhs.uk
For more information please visit the LHCH Privacy Notice on our website http://www.lhch.nhs.uk/about-lhch/
information-governance/data-protection-and-confidentiality/privacy-notice/
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