Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for hospital staff at the moment to reduce the risk of them contracting coronavirus. However, having to wear a mask all day can make it harder to communicate with patients, which is an essential part of nurses’ and doctors’ jobs.
That is why NHS Forth Valley staff have been wearing personalised badges that include their name and photo so those they are caring for can feel a closer connection to them, particularly if they are nervous or fearful.
Occupational therapist Sarah Dove, who came up with the initiative for NHS employees at the Bellfield Centre, said: “Communication whilst wearing PPE is challenging for both staff and patients. I realised quickly that it could be distressing and confusing for the patients not being able to see our faces whilst communicating and also never seeing a smile, especially during this time when they are unable to have visitors.”
She was able to pursue the #hellomynameis idea with help from the Co-operative Bank, which sent her items for the badges, including lanyards, an instamatic camera, pouches and paper.
Ms Dove commented that patients have given positive feedback about the name badges, claiming many have said it has made their stay “just a little bit easier to tolerate”.
Maria Cearns, managing director of Retail Banking at the bank, stated they are “pleased to support the team” while they have to wear PPE at this difficult time.
The Department of Health and Social Care recently revealed more than a billion items of PPE have been handed out to keyworkers over the last few weeks, with millions more required over the coming months.
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