A HOSPITAL governor from High Legh has paid tribute to her late husband by developing a patient care award in his memory.

Louise Ferguson announced The Roy Ferguson Compassionate Care Award in tribute to her husband on their wedding anniversary.

The award, which will encourage staff at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust to think up innovative ideas, will provide £5,000 each year to ensure the best ideas are brought to life and make patient care better.

“I always wanted to do something in Roy’s memory and when I got involved in the research at the hospital I knew it was meant to be,” said Louise.

“It’s wonderful that something good is going to come of our loss. It’s helped us a lot and it means everything.”

Louise began discussing the possible award with the specialist neurological hospital’s Development and Innovation team earlier this year.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, based in Liverpool, is the busiest neurological unit in he country.

It is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services and patients travel from across the country for specialist treatment.

The Walton Centre’s Clinical Director for Research and Development Dr Malcolm Steiger said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity. The award will be focused on care of the patient first. It has planted a seed and from it will grow wonderful things.”

A bespoke artwork is being created which will be presented to the award winner on April 4 each year- Roy’s birthday.