New #hellomynameis badges for Guy’s and St Thomas' staff

Distinctive yellow name badges that help patients to identify the staff caring for them are being introduced across the trust.

Staff are wearing the badges so they are always visible to patients. They are also making a pledge to treat patients as they would a member of their own family.

Kate Granger said: "Health workers can make a real difference to their patients' experience of receiving care by introducing themselves properly. As both a doctor and a patient, I know how important it is for healthcare professionals to build trust and to demonstrate compassion.

"This is why I started #hellomynameis and I'm really encouraged to see staff at Guy's and St Thomas' getting behind the campaign."

Kate, who is a hospital doctor and cancer patient from Yorkshire, spoke to Guy's and St Thomas' staff about the importance of compassion and building relationships in healthcare earlier this month.

Chief nurse Dame Eileen Sills said: "Kate Granger is an inspirational figure and her #hellomynameis campaign is a fantastic initiative that we're pleased to support.

"Although we know from patient feedback that our service standards are very high and staff are often praised for their kindness, we're also aware that some patients and visitors struggle to find out staff members' names.

"Our conversations with patients told us that the badges help them identify staff and leave them feeling more secure and positive about the service they're receiving."

The badges have a yellow background with bold black writing. Following research involving staff, patients, and visitors, the design has been chosen so that most people – including those with impaired vision – should be able to identify the name of the staff member they are speaking to.

The new badges will be introduced at Guy's Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital over the summer months.