The first International #hellomynameis Day – a campaign to encourage health professionals to introduce themselves – was held on July 23 to mark the first anniversary of the death of the founder.
The terminally ill UK doctor Kate Granger started the #hellomyname is campaign in 2013 after a hospital stay in which many staff didn’t introduce themselves before delivering care to her. After ‘ranting’ to her husband the pair decided to start a social media campaign on twitter to encourage and remind healthcare staff about the importance of introductions.
“I firmly believe it is not just about common courtesy, but it runs much deeper,” Granger wrote after the campaign took off. “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.”
After five years living with cancer Granger passed away on July 23 2016. Her husband Chris Pointon is continuing the campaign. More information can be found at hellomynameis.org.uk
