Trust supports ‘Hello My Name Is…’ campaign

THE Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust is supporting a national campaign to encourage NHS staff to introduce themselves to patients.

The ‘Hello My Name Is...’ campaign is being led by Dr Kate Granger, a 33-year-old hospital consultant from Yorkshire who is terminally ill with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Kate started the campaign on social media three years ago after becoming frustrated with the number of staff who failed to introduce themselves to her when she was in hospital.

She wants to remind staff to go back to basics, build trust and make a vital human connection with patients by, at the very least, giving their names.

Her aim is to improve the experience of patients in the UK and across the world.

The Trust is one of more than 100 NHS organisations to officially pledge their support for the campaign today.

A number of well-known figures have also given their endorsement, including David Cameron, Jeremy Hunt, the Countess of Wessex, Bob Geldof and Drew Barrymore.

Dr Alison Diamond, the Trust’s chief executive, said: “As a Trust we are fully committed to treating patients as people, offering compassion, dignity and respect at all times.

“The campaign acts as a very useful reminder to all NHS staff that the smallest things can make the biggest difference when it comes to improving a patient’s experience.

“With a simple introduction, staff can instantly make a connection and build trust with patients.

“We are delighted to back the ‘Hello My Name Is...’ campaign and have encouraged our staff to pledge their support via social media.”

Kate is urging as many members of NHS staff as possible to pledge to introduce themselves to patients, using her Twitter handle @GrangerKate and the hashtag #hellomynameis.

Organisers say around 500,000 NHS staff are set to take part.