Chris Pointon and Dr Kate Granger

Introduction

I’m a doctor, but also a terminally ill cancer patient. During a hospital stay in August 2013 with post-operative sepsis, I made the stark observation that many staff looking after me did not introduce themselves before delivering my care. It felt incredibly wrong that such a basic step in communication was missing. After ranting at my husband during one evening visiting time he encouraged me to “stop whinging and do something.”

We decided to start a campaign, primarily using social media initially, to encourage and remind healthcare staff about the importance of introductions in healthcare.

I firmly believe it is not just about common courtesy, but it runs much deeper. Introductions are about making a human connection between one human being who is suffering and vulnerable, and another human being who wishes to help. They begin therapeutic relationships and can instantly build trust in difficult circumstances.

In my mind #hellomynameis is the first rung on the ladder to providing truly person-centred, compassionate care.

Kate Granger obituary from The BMJ – an amazing story told in full

Dr Kate Granger raises £250k for cancer charity

Tributes paid to campaign doctor Kate Granger who sadly lost her battle with cancer

Kate’s blog details her journey

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Chris Pointon is Kate’s husband and continues to promote the campaign and continue the work they started together

 

Here Chris talks about the worldwide social media campaign ‘hello my name is’ Hello, my name is Chris Pointon and I am the husband of the late Dr Kate Granger …

Follow Chris on Twitter @PointonChris

The Hellomynameis website, showcases the project started by Kate and Chris and highlights the work Chris continues to do, promoting this important message