Tribute to Kate Granger

Kate Granger and staff at Evelina London on a visit in 2015.

Janet Powell, Evelina London Director of Nursing, pays tribute to the late Kate Granger, hospital consultant and campaigner for compassionate healthcare.

“We were all very sad to hear that Kate Granger, the doctor behind the inspirational “Hello my name is…” campaign had died. Kate was without doubt one of the kindest, most thoughtful and courageous human beings I have encountered. Despite her long battle with cancer she never failed to relentlessly pursue a change in healthcare which would have such a remarkable impact on patient care.

Kate seemed to have a profound effect on everyone she met and more importantly, those she did not meet, as her message has spread so rapidly not just across the NHS but also globally. This is because everyone knows that it is, without question, just the right thing to do.

As a doctor she would have made a significant impact on all who came into contact with her. Yet it is her message to all NHS staff to apply a personal approach, a reminder that a simple act of welcome with the words “Hello my name is…” can make the world of difference that is her legacy.

I was fortunate enough to meet Kate on a couple of occasions; she was friendly, warm and kind yet resolute in her mission to change how we greet people in hospital. She was not intimidated by the massive challenge she set herself and you almost forgot she was so ill.

We were lucky enough to have Kate visit Evelina London Children’s Hospital to speak at our Quality Improvement Conference in 2015. She spoke eloquently with enthusiasm and passion, telling us all how important a simple introduction can be and how much it means to someone who is afraid and upset.

Here at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, including Evelina London, we have embraced her words. The words “Hello my name is…” are on name badges as a constant reminder to greet our patients personally. Nearly 10,000 badges are now being used by staff throughout the Trust. Through this, Kate Granger will be remembered here. As we look back now, we feel lucky we were able to meet her and hear her message first hand."