A CAMPAIGN by a terminally ill doctor bidding to improve communication between clinicians and patients is being embraced by Dorset’s hospitals.

Dr Kate Granger was 29 when she claims a doctor in Yorkshire left her ‘psychologically scarred’ after telling her the aggressive form of cancer she was being treating for had spread – without introducing himself or looking her in the eye.

She subsequently started a social media campaign using the Twitter hashtag #hellomynameis to encourage hospital staff to show greater compassion to their patients.

Poole Hospital’s chief executive Debbie Fleming has backed the campaign along with Tony Spotswood, pictured, her counterpart at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, by posting pictures on Twitter of their staff holding placards adorned with the message.

“Dr Granger’s ‘hello my name is’ campaign is mirrored in our values of: communicate, improve, teamwork and pride,” said Mr Spotswood.

“We are also developing a new appraisal framework based on these values so that everyone is clear of the behaviours we expect of each other and towards our patients. One of these behaviours is about the importance of introducing ourselves, making eye contact and engaging in conversation.”

Ms Fleming added: “I listened to an inspirational talk by Kate Granger last summer and wanted to support such a worthwhile campaign.

“Here at Poole, a friendly approach is already at the heart of what we do, and embedded in our philosophy of care, the Poole Approach, but the campaign is a valuable reminder of how important that human connection is.”