'Call Me' project at OUH to improve patient experience

A new initiative at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is set to improve the hospital experience for patients who do not necessarily go by their birth name.

The 'Call Me' project, originally conceived by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, is a simple initiative where patients are given the opportunity to go by their preferred name.

This can include elderly people, who may wish to be addressed more formally as Mr or Mrs for example; people who use a middle name instead of their given birth name; people who use an abbreviated version of their name; or people who use a separate name which is not necessarily a part of their formal identification data.

Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer at OUH, said: "We are delighted to be introducing this project, which really helps us put the patient first.

"'Call Me' is very simple, but very important. It has been incredibly well-received by our colleagues in Worcestershire. Being in hospital can make people feel anxious or vulnerable, and we hope that 'Call Me' reassures not just our patients, but their friends and family also, that they are addressed in a way that they choose.

"Patient care and dignity are paramount here at OUH, and it can often be the smallest actions that make the biggest difference to those in our care."

OUH has produced a powerful short video demonstrating the importance of addressing people by their preferred name:

'Call Me' - a new initiative to improve patient experience - YouTube