Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and Charity

02/03/2026

We are delighted to share that our latest Employee of the Month winner, Debbie Heseltine, was presented with January's award earlier today. Debbie is a well-known face at LHCH from carrying out the key role of Switchboard Team Leader.

Debbie was surprised by Rachael McDonald, Director of People for LHCH & Broadgreen Hospital who shared that Debbie had been nominated by multiple colleagues who had highlighted:

"We often talk about employees going the extra mile to support patients, families and staff. Debbie has done this to an exceptional degree and has shown great resilience and leadership. She has supported her colleagues, our department and indeed the wider hospital ensuring the switchboard continues its 24/7 operation despite difficulties faced. Her quiet efficient manner has made the environment a positive one to work even when Debbie and colleagues worked extra duties to ensure the services retained a good quality service. We have all appreciated Debbie for what she has done. She always has a smile and a caring attitude – nothing is too much trouble.”

Well done Debbie. We are all really proud of you. 👏

27/02/2026

We'd like to end by sharing Sarah's story. Sarah was just 27 years old when she experienced first hand the skill and expertise of the specialist care provided by the team here at LHCH. Sarah was referred to LHCH, in December 2025, for aortic surgery following a revelation during her routine visit to her GP.

“My journey started in December when I had a stomach bug. I'd been to my GP who had done stool tests and prescribed anti sickness meds. Eventually, I had blood tests which showed my liver and heart count were both high and I was referred to my local hospital.

“After 18 days of tests and checks, I was transferred to LHCH. I was transported by ambulance and placed on Cedar Ward while I awaited my operation. The nursing staff greeted me, sorted my tea out as I had arrived late and explained what I should expect. I was checked over and had my bloods taken. The Consultant Aortic Surgeon and Consultant Anaesthetist came to visit days before my surgery was planned.

“On 22nd January, I was taken down to theatre for surgery. I was due to have the Ross procedure by Mr Ahmed Othman, Consultant Aortic Surgeon. I have a severe needle phobia, but my anaesthetists, Dr Clare Quarterman and Dr Steve Cai were wonderful, calm and understanding. They explained what was going to happen and what wires/pipes I would have when I awoke from surgery.

“Mr Othman chose to follow plan b, which we had discussed prior to the operation, as my heart was not in the condition expected. I had a mechanical valve fitted where my aortic valve was and an aortic replacement with a graft/stent. I awoke in the Intensive Care Unit due to the complications. Mr Othman personally kept my family updated and came to visit me to explain the surgery. Whilst in ICU, I cannot fault the care I received from the hospital. The nurses were person centred and had all the time in the world to answer my questions. The staff were all supportive and encouraging.

“Having open heart surgery was traumatic at 27 years old but the staff at LHCH made this difficult time easier. I cannot thank them enough - they saved my life and gave me a future.”

23/02/2026

This is an emotional and powerful feature on Hits Radio about knife crime with our colleagues at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust and one of our consultant cardiothoracic surgeons at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Mr Mike Shackcloth, who was called to support the emergency care and treatment.

A father from Liverpool has been reunited with emergency service colleagues from Aintree University Hospital and North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, after they helped save his son’s life after a knife attack 🚑

Among those present was Consultant Trauma and Emergency Surgeon, John Taylor, who performed lifesaving surgery at Aintree’s Major Trauma Centre.

The reunion, organised by Hits Radio, forms part of a documentary aiming to tackle and eradicate knife crime 🚫

To listen, please use the link in the comments.

18/02/2026

It's been 15 years since Michael experienced a heart attack whilst mountain biking in Coed Llandegla, a trail mountain centre, in Wrexham, North Wales. This , Michael Edwards, 81, from Llangollen wanted to thank the dedicated team of professionals who provided his life-saving treatment all those years ago. He shared:

“After various tests, it was shown that my left coronary artery was blocked, and the right was narrowed. In October 2011 after various setbacks, Dr Nick Palmer, Consultant Cardiologist and his team, carried out an angioplasty procedure to unblock those arteries.

“Prior to my heart attack and subsequent treatment, I had been a serious runner with Wrexham Amateur Athletic Club. I’d completed eleven marathons, including four London and two Snowdonia Marathons.

“The cycling came later on, leading to trail mountain biking and road riding, together with triathlons. Following the procedure, I was keen to return in some way, so I asked Dr. Palmer what I was able to do physically. His advice was to go back doing whatever I was doing previously, but obviously to work back my fitness gradually. This was like music to my ears.

“I did restore my fitness with the help of a qualified cardiac rehabilitation coach at my local sports centre, Lion Quays, Chirk. I then went on to complete a number of Sprint (shorter) Triathlons where I swam, cycled and ran. A great big thank you to Dr Nick Palmer, his team and all at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital who made this possible.

“Fifteen years later I’m still here at 81 years of age! I no longer swim, cycle or run because of unconnected health issues. However, I do get to the gym two or three times a week to keep up my strength, mobility and fitness. I’m also the Event Director of our local Park Run. I am positively evangelistic about the health and wellbeing benefits of parkrun where people can walk, jog, run or volunteer to gain those health benefits.”

You can read more about the benefits of exercise on the NHS UK website or find your local Park Run on the Park Run UK website.

16/02/2026

Former patient and incredible LHCH Charity supporter, Grant Williams, is back once again!

In early 2024, the military veteran and fitness instructor suffered two cardiac arrests whilst out training for the Manchester Marathon. Thanks to immediate CPR and the quick actions of two nearby doctors, Grant was rushed to LHCH where he underwent a quadruple heart bypass.

Following his successful surgery and healthy recovery, Grant has become a passionate supporter of LHCH Charity. From running marathons to hosting black-tie dinners, he has raised an incredible amount of money — and now, he’s back with his biggest fundraiser yet!

In the lead-up to this year’s Liverpool Half Marathon, Grant, alongside his fitness group NGUP-active will be taking part in a full week of fundraising events, all building up to race day.

Once again, we’d like to say a huge thank you for your continued support, Grant. It’s wonderful to see you back doing what you do best.

From everyone here at Team LHCH, we’d like to wish you all the very best of luck!

If you too would like to show some support, simply follow the link - https://shorturl.at/kiRmx

13/02/2026

Valentine’s Day is a special time of year, but for one mum from Lytham St Anne’s, it’s even more poignant as she celebrates the birthday of her young daughter – something she feared she might not see when faced with the prospect of life-saving aortic surgery.

Emma, 35, was diagnosed with a type B aortic dissection - a life-threatening tear in the inner layer of the descending aorta away from the heart - and in October 2023 was brought into Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) for a 14-hour operation.

Now with the opportunity to celebrate her daughter Luna’s 6th birthday on Valentine’s Day, Emma says it’s something she will never take for granted.

“As soon as I was transferred to LHCH, my consultant surgeon, Professor Mark Field, realised the seriousness of my condition and told me that I needed urgent surgery. It was then during the operation that he discovered that my aorta was like tissue paper.

“The thought of leaving behind my young daughter, and my long-term partner, was almost unbearable. I honestly didn’t know if I would ever see them again.”

However, thanks to Professor Field and his clinical team, Emma came through her operation.

“I will never have enough thanks for LHCH, and every member of the team who cared for me. Professor Field will always be my hero, as he’s the person who saved my life and made it possible to celebrate birthdays with my little girl and see her future.

“I will carry that gratitude with me forever and I will never forget the kindness and support I was shown at the most vulnerable and scariest time of my life. But it wasn’t just from a medical point of view, as they cared for me personally as well – kindness, reassurance, talking and listening to me – it was incredible.”

Emma said it wasn’t just the surgery for which she was grateful.

“Prior to my surgery, I found out about the work of the charity, Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland. They were the ones who told me about the amazing teams at LHCH and were so supportive and informative, practically and emotionally. That support has continued to this day.

“I’m also so grateful for the support of my family and friends, and my long-term partner who I was able to marry in July 2024. After everything that had happened, it made us realise how precious life is and how grateful we are to still have a future together.”

Emma added that her recovery from aortic dissection hasn’t been easy. She still lives with some pain and limitations and needs to take life slowly.

“Knowing that I’m under LHCH’s care for life, with regular scans and follow-ups, is so reassuring for me.

“It was also thanks to their involvement, that I underwent genetic testing. This showed I carry a rare genetic condition called ACTA2, which means I’ll need specialist follow-up for life. I also learned that my dad had died from an aortic dissection – something which I hadn’t known at the time. However, it helped everything make sense and really reinforced how important specialist, lifelong aortic care is for families like mine… care that means I’m here to watch my daughter grow up.”

Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland

09/02/2026

This National Apprenticeship Week we are delighted to introduce you to Danielle who, following completion of her Physiotherapy Degree Apprenticeship, is now a qualified Physiotherapist working within the Pulmonary Rehabilitation team.

Danielle was the very first Physiotherapist Apprentice here at LHCH! She completed this over a four-year period, alongside her role as a Therapy Assistant, with the complex rehab team. Danielle said:

“Physiotherapy has always been something I had wanted to pursue. I’d worked as a Therapy Assistant at LHCH for almost ten years. However, as a busy mum of three, I was unable to leave work to complete a full-time degree. The apprenticeship provided the perfect opportunity for me to achieve my goal while continuing to work.

“I have grown and learnt so much as a person over the four years. My confidence and professional skills have developed significantly. My educators from the Stroke and Complex Rehabilitation team were fantastic. Their guidance, encouragement and support were invaluable. Last summer, I was thrilled to bits to graduate with a first-class degree. I’d highly recommend for anyone to consider an apprenticeship. It can make the difference in achieving your dream job.”

Well done Danielle on this amazing accomplishment.

04/02/2026

As the government’s new National Cancer Plan is launched to coincide with World Cancer Day, we’d also like you to meet Mandie - one of our thoracic (lung) specialists, who makes a positive difference to lung cancer care here at LHCH.

Mandie is the first Thoracic Nurse Consultant at LHCH, and across the country, with over thirty years’ experience in cardiothoracic surgery.

Mandie will be presenting, at the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery Annual Meeting in Belfast on 15-17th March, to share the impact the role has made so far, sharing learning and improved outcomes with peers from across the country.

“The role is to mainly support outpatients following their thoracic (lung) surgery, I follow them up with a progress call around 2-3 weeks after their operation. The feedback we have so far is that patients really appreciate this earlier support. Cancer patients are keen to know their results after their surgery, so it’s hugely improved the service and patient experience.

“Sometimes, if there are any issues, I arrange for them to come in and see me face to face to help resolve them. Often either the same day or following day. This earlier contact means that any problems can be dealt with earlier, preventing readmissions, general practitioner appointments or local accident and emergency department attendances.”

You can read more about Mandie, her career journey and service developments in the second instalment of our ‘Meet the Specialist’ series which is available on the news section of our website.

02/02/2026

To mark the start of February’s , we’d like to share the story of Rosie and her mum, Patricia.

After feeling unwell for some time, Rosie underwent tests at her local hospital, where she was diagnosed with endocarditis and later transferred to LHCH where she was cared for by the adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) team.

During her time at LHCH, Rosie’s mum, Patricia, was with her every step of the way.

“After Rosie was transferred to LHCH, it was a long stay in hospital through the course of her treatment. On the 19th of November, she underwent open-heart surgery performed by her consultant congenital surgeon, Mr Ramesh Kutty, to replace her damaged pulmonary valve. It was a really worrying time for us all!

“I remember spending many hours on the ward, often making brews in the family kitchen, and meeting a new family pretty much every day who was going through the same frightening times as us.
“One moment that will always stay with me and Rosie is when a member of staff said something to us on a particularly worrying day. ‘We’re here for your hearts, we fix them. That’s what we do.’ Those words carried me through some of the hardest moments.

“The team at LHCH were just absolutely incredible — not only to Rosie, but to us as a family. I honestly can’t find the words to thank Mr Kutty, her consultant cardiologist Dr Julia Jones, the anaesthetists, nurses, and just about every single member of staff. They saved my daughter’s life, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”

“My wish now is to raise money for LHCH as a way of saying thank you — not only for saving my Rosie but for being there for us all when we needed it.”

So, as a way of showing her thanks, Patricia has purchased a beautiful 9ct yellow gold heart pendant to raffle, with all proceeds going towards LHCH Charity.

A big thank you for your support, Patricia! We’re so glad to hear about Rosie’s care here at LHCH, and we hope the raffle is a huge success.

If you would like to show your support, simply follow the link to grab your tickets 👉 https://tinyurl.com/7chu558s
*The winner will be announced on 7th February*

02/02/2026

**NOW FULLY BOOKED**

Please note we are no longer taking bookings for the forthcoming Nurse Recruitment Day - we are fully booked.

Please look out for further sessions in the months to come.

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29/01/2026

Earlier today we were delighted to surprise Lee Stanfield, Access Team Leader – Surgery with the Employee of the Month Award for December 2025.

James Bradley, Director of Finance presented the award to Lee who was nominated for not only making operational improvements but for also supporting his colleagues personally and professionally. Lee has shown genuine care and commitment to his team’s wellbeing over the last few months and helped them through difficult times. His nomination said:

“Lee has been instrumental in turning around the Surgery Outpatient booking list, working tirelessly alongside his team to achieve outstanding results. This has reduced any delays and enabled a swifter and more effective appointment system for our patients.

This improvement has not gone unnoticed. Surgery Division and clinicians have provided positive feedback on the progress made, which is a testament to Lee’s leadership and dedication. Beyond his exceptional leadership, Lee consistently goes above and beyond in process improvement. Lee exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding leader: supportive, innovative, and dedicated. His contributions have had a significant impact on both team morale and operational success, making him a truly deserving candidate for Employee of the Month.”

Congratulations Lee on this well-deserved award!