The power of donation

During Organ Donation Week 2022 in September, we shared the story of a retired firefighter whose life was transformed after receiving a kidney from his daughter. In November 2021, Kirsty Poole underwent surgery at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital to donate her kidney to her father, Alan Jones, who has chronic kidney disease.

Mum-of-two Kirsty said: “The whole family had a lot to gain from a successful transplant. Dialysis would have been life-altering – and my parents deserved a second chance at life, to have their independence back. They’ve done so much for our family. I have no regrets donating my kidney. I’d do it again tomorrow.” Alan had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in his mid-20s and until two years ago led a normal life. When the 68-year-old’s kidney function severely deteriorated he was told his best chance of a long-term quality of life was to receive a kidney from a living donor. Kirsty discussed the prospect with her husband, Lee, who works as a consultant in critical care at the Royal, and had a chat with living donor co-ordinator, Ann Strong. After a tissue type blood test came back as a great match, she spoke to her parents about the idea – who were taken aback by their daughter’s decision. She said: “They were anxious but pleased. But I wanted to do it, so we proceeded with all the investigations, scans and blood tests. After about six months we were told it was definitely doable and my dad tested well enough to receive the transplant. I remember Ann calling me at work and giving me a date that was three weeks later. It suddenly felt very real.” The surgery went well, and Alan is recovering and back to doing the things he loves. The effects of renal failure had prevented him from walking longer distances, or gardening without significant fatigue, but now the grandfather has his life back on track.

Mr Sanjay Mehra, Clinical Lead and Consultant Transplant Surgeon, said:

“Although the new organ donation law was adopted in 2020 so that adults are ‘opted-in’ to organ donation unless they state otherwise, the family wishes are still taken into consideration before any decision is made. It’s so important that you share your wishes with your loved ones, so they are clear on your views.”

I have no regrets donating my kidney. I’d do it again tomorrow.

What is living donation?

On average, only a third of transplants are from living donors – yet receiving a kidney from a living donor has many advantages over deceased kidney donation. Typically, as the kidney has come from someone who is fit and well, it works almost straight away and lasts longer for its recipient. There is also a shorter wait for the transplant as someone has come forward, compared to the average three year wait from a deceased donor.

LIVING OUR VALUES

Our values are 'the way we do things around here'. They are the very core of who we are, for every colleague, patient and individual who comes into contact with us. Our values enable us to work together more effectively and to deliver great patient care more consistently. We see examples of our values in practice on a daily basis, and each month we will celebrate individuals or teams who are clearly caring, fair and innovative.

Improving quality in Liver Services

The Liverpool Liver Unit has become the first team in the North of England to receive the coveted IQILs Level 2 accreditation, the highest level of accreditation.

The award recognises and accredits teams who demonstrate the highest standard of services for liver patients and is the culmination of years of hard work from the LUHFT team.

“We’re delighted to receive the IQILs level 2, as recognition of the fantastic work that the team are doing” said Helen Caldwell, Nurse Consultant in

Hepatology.

“I’m really proud that the assessors recognised some of the innovative ways of working within the service, from new patient pathways to the brilliant work of the multidisciplinary team and our Clinical Nurse Specialists. They also noted our work with the homeless during COVID-19 where we were able to engage with previously very hard to reach patients to improve their access to care. “We’ve already started developing our next five year plan for how we can continue to improve things for liver patients in Liverpool.”

Tree planted to mark Queen’s legacy at Broadgreen

LUHFT and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital have received a special tree from The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) “Tree of Trees” initiative. Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and Broadgreen Hospital, join over 300 organisations from across the UK which were recently announced by the QGC as recipients of these special trees in The Queen’s name.

Presented by Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, the tree was planted on 25 October 2022 adjacent to the main entrance on the Broadgreen Hospital site. The tree becomes part of the living legacy in honour of Her Majesty, joining over a million trees already planted across the UK as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy. Sue Musson, Chair of LUHFT, said: “I am delighted that our work to promote a greener environment has been recognised in this way. It is an honour to have been chosen to receive one of these special trees, which will stand as a tribute to The Queen’s legacy at our hospital site for years to come.”

LIVING OUR VALUES

Running for wellbeing

Congratulations to Dr Nikhil Sharma, Divisional Medical Director for Medicine at Broadgreen, for completing the 2022 London Marathon in aid of the LUHFT staff wellbeing fund. On 2 October, Dr Sharma completed his run raising an incredible £1,605 via his Just Giving page. “Over the course of the last few years I've seen our staff constantly going above and beyond for the good of our patients”, he said. “We thought the pandemic was going to be difficult and staff literally put their lives on the line to care for our community. Since then, the situation has remained challenging, but our staff have risen to the occasion every time. “I'm proud to work in Liverpool and with such incredible, brave colleagues. That's why I wanted to train for and run this marathon - to raise some money to invest back into our staff's wellbeing. “Every single person that works for our organisation deserves the best we can offer.”

£1,605

raised in aid of the LUHFT staff wellbeing fund

Patient’s mother praises dental team for great care

After being selected by a patient for Team of the Month, the Surgical Day Bed Unit for Oral Surgery, received their awards from our Chair Sue Musson.

The patient’s mother commended the team for their outstanding experience whilst at the Dental Hospital and recognised them for being caring and wonderful. The nomination letter says: “When my daughter attended her surgery she was made to feel so welcome and the procedure was explained so clearly. I was able to stay with her whilst she was put under anaesthetic, which made the whole experience less stressful for us both. I was also kept fully informed of my daughter’s progress throughout surgery and afterwards she was observed so closely by the caring staff team who did all that they could to care for her and her wellbeing.”