Knowing your colleagues on a first name basis
June 3, 2021
Whether you are a patient using our services or a member of staff working with fellow colleagues, you may have noticed something slightly different recently – yellow name badges.
A common observation within hospitals is that patient interaction at times is too formal and lacks any real personality. With this in mind, the Trust has begun to roll out yellow name badges.
“This name badge initiative is simple but effective,” said Kevin Jennison, Resuscitation Officer.
“The badges have many advantages over the white ones. They are easy to read for our visually impaired patients and are also dementia friendly, plus they are less formal and helps make us more approachable; something which is vital for all staff who work at our Trust.”
Kevin initially approached deputy chief nurses Diane Eltringham and Sarah Carr-Cave with the idea at the start of the year to display the first name in black on a yellow badge along with the words ‘hello my name is…’
Kevin further explained that the ‘hello my name is…’ concept comes from Dr Kate Granger, MBE, co-founder of the #HelloMyNameIs campaign. Dr Kate Granger believed that ‘#HelloMyNameis the first rung on the ladder to providing truly person-centred and compassionate care.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit us all hard and SWB is no different. With all patient facing colleagues required to wear PPE has meant many patient interactions have lost a personal touch which is why there hasn’t been a better time to implement the yellow badge scheme.
Kevin added: “From a personal point of view and as a resuscitation officer attending complex and dynamic situations, there is a great challenge of effective communication and the use of names goes a long way to help achieve this.
“In a climate of wearing face masks and PPE, this has never been more relevant. The large font of the first name in black on yellow makes it easier to read at a distance, and in many circumstances it is also visible under some of the gowns that are worn at this time.”
Though the yellow badge initiative has only been in existence for a short period, it is certainly improving communication and patient care Kevin believes.
He said: “Almost immediately since wearing this badge, I received many positive comments from both staff and patients. There are a lot of subconscious positives of knowing a name as it seems more personable.”
“It’s great to be able to communicate with someone and using their name. I can only hope that the yellow badges are adopted by all colleagues across the Trust.”
Update on yellow badges: Yellow badges are currently being rolled out across the organisation. Managers who have submitted an order will be contacted as soon as their team’s badges are ready for collection. If you are yet to submit an order for your ward or area, please submit your order using the below sheet to shila.patel@nhs.net by Wednesday 30 June.