#Hellomynameis #AndILookLikeThis
Recognising the negative impact the physical barrier of a facemask can have - when caring for and communicating with patients during the Covid-19 pandemic – Consultant Cardiologist Dr David Sandler knew there had to be a better way.
Inspired by a desire to continue to provide a compassionate connection with his patients – the Chesterfield Royal Hospital clinician created a bespoke ‘unmasked’ photo ID. Nothing complicated, but a reminder that behind the PPE is a friendly face and a listening ear.
Throwing a friendly ‘gauntlet’ down to colleague Sarah Ward, the Royal’s Deputy
Chief Nurse - he presented a simple challenge:
“Can you, I and the Trust make this happen?”
Simple answer – of course!
With support from Head of Communications, Sarah Turner-Saint, the Trust is encouraging all its staff to support this campaign – showing off our smiles to help to reduce any anxiety our patients might have when they meet us.
The Trust is already a committed supporter of the #HelloMyNameIs movement, founded by the late Dr Kate Granger and her husband Chris Pointon as “the first rung on the ladder to providing truly person-centred, compassionate care”. #AndILookLikeThis is the next natural step to support that introduction of our masked selves to our patients during the pandemic.
Chris says: “I know that Kate would absolutely have loved this idea and would be firmly behind it, as am I. In the times we are currently living in, these are especially important to continue that face-to-face human interaction. Thank you so much. Kate will be smiling down and happily endorsing this.”