'I'm A Person, Not Just A Diseased Body': Terminally-Ill Dr Kate Granger Launches Campaign To Give Patients Dignity | HuffPost Life

Terminally-Ill Doctor Fights For Dignity Of Fellow Cancer Patients

Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK

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A terminally ill doctor who launched a "compassionate" campaign to encourage fellow healthcare staff to introduce themselves to patients, has been backed by over 90 NHS organisations.

Leading figures such as David Cameron, Jeremy Hunt and Bob Geldof have also lent their support.

Dr Kate Granger, 31, launched the "Hello my name is..." campaign three years ago, shortly after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

At the time, the hospital consultant said she was left feeling frustrated by medical staff who failed to introduce themselves throughout her treatment.

At the time of her diagnosis, Granger said that the doctor who informed her of the life-changing news that her cancer had spread didn't introduce himself to her. Nor did he look her in the eye.

"The lack of introductions really made me feel like just a diseased body and not a real person," Granger told BBC Radio 4.

But, she added, when staff members did introduce themselves it made the world of difference.

Granger's #hellomynameis campaign now acts as a reminder for staff to go back to basics and build vital human connection and trust with patients.

It's now evolved into a national campaign with 400,000 medical staff backing it across 90 NHS organisations, who are now working together to discuss how they can boost compassionate care for their patients.

Health secretary, Jeremy Hunt says that he fully supports the "powerful" campaign.

"All patients should be treated with compassion and the fact this movement has started from within the NHS itself makes it all the more powerful.

He added: "We know that doctors and nurses within the NHS are doing more than ever to provide safe and compassionate care and this movement is harnessing their energy."

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Meanwhile Granger hopes that, despite her terminal illness, the campaign will leave behind a legacy of treating patients with dignity and respect.

"I got my cancer diagnosis three years ago and unfortunately I'm not going to get better, I have a rocky road ahead of me," she said.

"I really hope my legacy will be putting compassionate practice right at the heart of healthcare."

Cancer Research And Prevention 2014

Not All Stem Cells Are Created Equal(01 of17)

Dr. Mick Bhatia in Hamilton discovered that human stem cells made from adult donor cells remembered what cell types they came from. When reprogrammed in the lab they preferentially reverted to their original cell type. Dr Bhatia’s discovery will have important implications for new stem cell therapies. Via Nature Communications, Dec. 2014. (credit:Gary Caviness via Getty Images)

Mapping The Evolution Of Cancer Cells(02 of17)

Dr. Samuel Aparicio and Dr. Sohrab Shah in Vancouver made important discoveries that shed light on how cancer cells evolve in tumours. The researchers developed a new tool to group genetic mutations in a single tumour and used it to predict how cells in breast cancers evolve and grow over time. Understanding and predicting changes in complex cancers may provide new options for targeted treatments. Via Nature, Nov. 2014. (credit:Adrianna Williams via Getty Images)

Gene Mutation Could Be Leukemia Trigger(03 of17)

In Toronto, Dr. John Dick investigated the importance of over 100 genes commonly mutated in the early stages of leukemia. He found that a mutation in the gene DNMT3A plays a key role, making cells with this mutation resistant to chemotherapy and faster growing than normal stem cells. These findings identify a possible starting point for the disease which could help doctors diagnose and treat patients earlier. Via Nature, April 2014. (credit:Frantab via Getty Images)

Genetic Test To Predict Prostate Cancer Relapse(04 of17)

Dr. Robert Bristow in Toronto was part of an international team that developed a genetic test to predict which men are at highest risk of their prostate cancers returning following treatment. This test provides a way to identify patients who need more aggressive treatments, while avoiding over-treatment for patients whose cancers are less likely to return. Via Lancet Oncology, Nov. 2014. (credit:vitanovski via Getty Images)

Gene Mutations Linked To Lung Cancer Risk(05 of17)

Dr. Rayjean Hung in Toronto was part of an international research team that found rare variations of the BRCA2 and CHEK2 genes associated with squamous cell lung cancer in people of European ancestry. They also found genetic links for lung adenocarcinoma with a gene variation previously only reported in Asian populations. These findings contribute new knowledge about the genetic basis of lung cancer and have implications for the screening of high-risk individuals with these inherited mutations. Via Nature Genetics, June 2014. (credit:goa_novi via Getty Images)

Long-Term Effects Of Treatment For Childhood Brain Cancer(06 of17)

A study led by Dr. Donald Mabbott in Toronto found that children treated for medulloblastoma, a childhood brain cancer, had smaller regions of the brain associated with learning and memory, which was also linked to impairment in these abilities. This study highlights the need for more targeted therapies that minimize the late effects of treatment on survivors. Via Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, Jan. 2014. (credit:adventtr via Getty Images)

Banning Patio Smoking Helps Smokers To Quit(07 of17)

Dr. Michael Chaiton in Toronto led a survey of over 3,000 smokers about their exposure to smoke on patios and found that smokers were less likely to be successful in their quitting efforts after being exposed to tobacco smoke on a patio. These findings were used as evidence to support an Ontario government ban on smoking on patios, playgrounds and other outdoor public spaces. Via Tobacco Control, Oct. 2014. (credit:Chris Fertnig via Getty Images)

Too Many Carbs Could Fuel Colorectal Cancer(08 of17)

Genetics, diet and gut microbes all contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, but how these factors work together to promote cancer is not well understood. Dr. Alberto Martin in Toronto investigated these connections in a mouse model of colorectal cancer and found that gut microbes resulting from a diet high in carbohydrates interacted with cancer-causing genes to fuel cancer development. These findings have important implications for reducing cancer risk by changing diet and the make-up of gut microbes. Via Cell, July 2014. (credit:Adam Gault via Getty Images)

The Costs And Benefits Of Lung Cancer Screening(09 of17)

A study led by Dr. Stuart Peacock in Vancouver showed that the average costs of screening individuals at high risk for lung cancer and treating cancerous growths discovered through early detection were lower than the costs of treating advanced lung cancer. These findings provide important information to policymakers considering the value of lung cancer screening programs in high-risk groups. Via Journal of Thoracic Oncology, Oct. 2014. (credit:Gary Lowell via Getty Images)

Making Immunotherapies Work For More People(10 of17)

Harnessing the immune system’s powerful ability to fight cancer, Dr. Claude Perreault in Montreal has identified new molecules that attract T cells, the body’s natural killing machines which help fight off germs and diseases. Dr. Perreault used a new approach to identify molecules that attract the T cell’s cancer-fighting abilities. These findings could help increase the number of cancer patients who could benefit from immunotherapies. Via Nature Communications, April 2014. (credit:caracterdesign via Getty Images)

A Walking School Bus(11 of17)

This year, the Canadian Cancer Society developed "Trottibus," a network that walks children to school instead of having them ride the bus, in Quebec. The initiative is meant to increase physical activity to help prevent the development of disease like cancer.

Testing For Radon Can Save Lives(12 of17)

"Radon, a colourless and odourless gas emitted through soil, is believed to be responsible for 16 per cent of lung cancer deaths in the country each year .. It's estimated that 3,000 Canadians die from lung cancer caused by radon annually." (credit:National Cancer Institute via Getty Images)

We Need To Stand Up More(13 of17)

This year, evidence was found that showed an increased risk for colon and endometrial cancers with every increase of two hours of sitting per day, reported Scientific American. Moreover, it didn't matter how active the people were outside of those hours of sitting — the risk remained the same regardless. (credit:Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Calories Coming To Menus Could Halt Obesity(14 of17)

Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews hopes to pass a proposed law that would see chain restaurants include calories on their menus in order to help the public make more informed choices with their food, reported The Star. The correlation between obesity and disease — including heart problems and cancer — is well-established. (credit:Hero Images via Getty Images)

Manitoba To Ban Indoor Tanning For Minors(15 of17)

The most recent province to ban children under 18 from using tanning beds, Manitoba's new law is expected to come into play in the spring, according to Global News. Anyone who exposes themselves to UV lights even once before the age of 35 can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, Cancer Care Manitoba's Elizabeth Harland told the network. (credit:Santje09 via Getty Images)

Getting Rid Of Tobacco For Minors(16 of17)

Ontario lawmakers are pushing for a bill that bans menthol and flavoured tobacco, as well as preventing the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. It's been found that 30 per cent of youth smokers prefer menthol, and public health researchers argue the ban could potentially keep younger smokers from even starting the habit. (credit:KIVILCIM PINAR via Getty Images)

HPV Vaccines For Boys?(17 of17)

While girls 9 to 13 currently receive a free HPV vaccination, MP Peter Kent said he would ask relevant members of the Conservative Party to consider funding vaccines for boys as well as a means to prevent cancer. (credit:dina2001 via Getty Images)

[H/T BBC]

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