Plymouth Hospitals Cancer Services embrace ‘Hello My Name is…’

The ‘Hello My Name is…’ campaign has arrived at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, as part of a Trust-wide initiative to remind staff of the importance of clear communication in the delivery of quality care.

Widely publicised on social media under the #hellomynameis hashtag, the campaign was founded by Dr Kate Granger, an Elderly Medicine Registrar at St James University Hospital in Leeds who is a terminally-ill cancer patient. The campaign was born from an observation that Dr Granger made as a patient, when she noticed that frequently care was initiated without the member of staff introducing themselves to her.

Dr Granger is quoted on the ‘Hello My Name is…’ website as saying: “I firmly believe it is not just about knowing someone's name, but it runs much deeper. It is about making a human connection, beginning a therapeutic relationship and building trust. In my mind it is the first rung on the ladder to providing compassionate care.”

The Haematology, Oncology and Immunology wards have become the first at Derriford Hospital to commit to the campaign, with new ‘Hello My Name is….’ name badges being worn by staff in the wards. The project was led by Matron Steve Collings and Staff Nurse

Rachel Wood, as a reminder of the personal element fundamental to patient care.

Matron Steve Collings said: "Learning from Dr Kate Granger’s experience has highlighted how a basic introduction of yourself to your patients is the beginning of providing more compassionate care.

“I hope this initiative will lead to better communication and improved care and understanding between patients and health care professionals."

You can find out more about Kate’s story and the #hellomynameis campaign at http://hellomynameis.org.uk