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At last count, 862 people had been photographed for the #HelloMyNameIs campaign, pledging to introduce themselves to patients every time.

The international #HelloMyNameIs campaign has taken off at The Ottawa Hospital, with employees, doctors, volunteers and even patient advisors pledging to improve patient care by introducing themselves to patients by name, every time.

The Ottawa Hospital was one of the first in North America to adopt the international campaign, which started in Britain with Dr. Kate Granger. Since it officially launched here on May 1, 2017, more than 862 people have been photographed with the #HelloMyNameIs speech bubble. Doctors, nurses, volunteers, clerks, housekeeping staff, porters, food services staff, patient advisors on various committees, administrators, and even therapy dogs, guide dogs in training and mascots have all smiled for the camera.

“This small act makes a huge difference to patients,” said Dr. Elianna Saidenberg, who introduced The Ottawa Hospital to the campaign after being a patient herself. “I’ve seen it in my practice, and as a patient. It honours the fact that patients come to us at the most frightening and vulnerable moments of their lives.”

“Introducing ourselves seems like such a simple act, but it can have an enormous effect on our patients’ experience of health care,” said Bernie Etzinger, Chief Communications, and Outreach Officer. “It allows patients to trust their health-care team and helps calm their fears. The impact is truly far-reaching.”

Patients know the kind of exceptional care and compassion that can be expected at The Ottawa Hospital. And thanks to #HelloMyNameIs, we’re making sure the community knows as well. The campaign has been popular on Twitter and Facebook, with more than 10,000 video views so far.

If you’ve taken the pledge, thank you!

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