We were immensely proud to welcome Chris Pointon - on a break to promote Hello My Name Is - to talk to our trainee nurse associates yesterday and he spoke so movingly there were tears.
The husband of Dr Kate Granger delivered a passionate talk to them as part of his global tour for the campaign at a session at the Learning Centre at HRI. Twenty three trainees from CHFT, as well as partner organisations including councils, SWYFT and local CCGs and GPs attended.
Chris said he feels his amazing late wife – who was born at HRI - is still with him as he continues to promote her transformational campaign to improve communications between patients and the NHS staff providing their healthcare.
He told CHFT Weekly, “There are ways of keeping Kate involved and I get the sense she is there which is a nice feeling. It is a passion, something I have to do. It gets me through every day and keeps her memory alive.”
Our project lead for nurse associates, Lindsay Butterworth, said: "Chris delivered a presentation but spoke from the heart. Some of the trainees were in tears it was so moving and it certainly had such an impact. He made for a great discussion afterwards. He was fantastic and was an inspiration to our group of nurses."
Chris, from Mirfield, is now on a year-long break from his work at Asda to spread the campaign as Kate’s legacy following her death 17 months ago.
He revealed the campaign trigger was a porter called Brian who introduced himself on a “bad day” (Aug 30, 2013) when Kate was going through her treatment for cancer. He stood out just for that introduction and they never forgot him for making such a difference.
He recalls: “ Kate was reflecting and moaning about the day’s event. We both were. Then we thought we need to stop moaning and do something about it.”
They started a social media campaign which snowballed and was adopted throughout the NHS.
And he told our nurses they can all make a difference throughout their career. “ Everyone can, in a small way, make a big difference. I want them to think about how they can make a difference.”
CHFT has been a serious backer of Kate’s campaign all new starters are encouraged to sign up to support and all new ID badges have Hello My Name Is on them.
Chris added: “ The beauty of it, is that this campaign doesn’t need any resources, just nurses, doctors, porters and everyone providing healthcare, recognising they can make a difference.”
In Kate's own words here's why it meant so much to her. The campaign earned her the MBE and also a meeting with Aussie popstrel Kylie Minogue. see photos below.
"I firmly believe it is not just about common courtesy, but it runs much deeper. 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."