'˜Hello, my name is': How a simple conversation inspired Kate Granger's global movement

A CONVERSATION about a lack of introductions from health workers led to Dr Kate Granger's global #hellomynameis movement.
Asda staff in Leeds show their support for Dr Granger's #HelloMyNameIs campaignAsda staff in Leeds show their support for Dr Granger's #HelloMyNameIs campaign
Asda staff in Leeds show their support for Dr Granger's #HelloMyNameIs campaign

Her campaign to promote personalised and compassionate care was inspired by a conversation with her husband Chris Pointon.

She said on her blog: “I had been moaning to Chris about the lack of introductions from the healthcare staff looking after me. Being the practical optimist that Chris is, he simply told me to ‘stop whinging darling and if it is that important to you, do something about it.’ So we did.”

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Dr Granger said it wasn’t just about healthcare staff sharing their names with their patients, but also making a connection and building a relationship.

Since her initial tweet, #hellomynameis has been supported all over the world and 400,000 health workers across 90 organisations are now backing the drive.

Politicians supported the campaign, including former PM David Cameron, and a raft of celebrities such as Kylie and Richard Branson have been pictured with #hellomynameis signs.

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Dr Granger’s work took her to Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE from Prince of Wales, to Downing Street and to the Scottish Parliament.

Dr. Granger at work in Pinderfields Hospital, WakefieldDr. Granger at work in Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield
Dr. Granger at work in Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield

Among her other accolades was being given the Special Achievement Award at the BMJ Awards in London earlier this year.

Julian Hartley, chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said: “Truly Kate made a huge difference and helped change our hospitals for the better. She deserves our sincere thanks and admiration.”