'Hello my name is ...' campaign launched in NHS Tayside

‘Hello my name is ...’ campaign launched in NHS Tayside

THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST, 2015

PHOTO ATTACHED: L-R PORTER KENNETH HURRELL, ADMINISTRATOR LESLEY WILSON, CONSULTANT SURGEON MR JOHN SCOLLAY, HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT JULIE BERNARD, CRITICAL CARE NURSE PAULINE WINTON, HEAD OF CLINICAL GOVERNANCE AND RISK ARLENE NAPIER AND TEAM LEADER TRACEY PASSWAY

‘Hello my name is ...’ campaign launched in NHS Tayside

A new national campaign to encourage better communication with patients has been launched across NHS Tayside.

The original ‘Hello my name is …’ campaign was created Dr Kate Granger, a terminally ill young hospital consultant based in Yorkshire, who became frustrated with the number of healthcare staff she came in contact with during her care who did not introduce themselves.

The campaign message reminds staff to go back to basics and take time to introduce themselves to all patients properly with a simple ‘Hello my name is …’ which helps to promote positive communication between patients and staff.

A simple introduction between staff and patients helps to support one of NHS Tayside’s core values that all patients should be treated with respect and dignity.

NHS Tayside’s campaign aims to encourage staff to make a conscious effort to introduce themselves to patients by:

• Saying ‘hello my name is ... and I will be looking after you today’

• Asking the patient how they would like to be addressed

• Having their name badge visible at all times

Information stands are being held in Ninewells, Royal Victoria Hospital, Perth Royal Infirmary and Whitehills Health & Community Care Centre in Forfar to raise awareness of the campaign with staff.

All staff name badges will also have the ‘Hello my name is …’ logo incorporated on them in the future to remind staff of the importance of introducing themselves and establishing a good, open dialogue with their patients to support person-centred care.

Nurse and Midwife Director Dr Margaret McGuire said, “Introducing yourself is a common courtesy and can help to put a patient or family member at ease during what can often be a difficult and confusing time. That is why NHS Tayside is asking all staff to take the time to introduce themselves and be part of the ‘Hello my name is ...’ campaign.

“‘Hello my name is ...’ breaks the ice between staff and patients and allows the member of staff to follow on from the introduction by explaining their role and giving patients the opportunity to ask questions about their care and treatment.”

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718

27 August 2015