Putting names to faces

Healthcare campaigners have made a special visit to the UK Parliament to help improve safety and teamwork in operating theatres and maternity units. They want to see a wider adoption of theatre badge hats, which let patients and other staff clearly understand the role of every individual involved in their treatment.

The hats include a removable fabric panel that shows each person’s first name and job title and are created by Eco Ninjas. The organisation was invited to Westminster to show how their innovation can make a difference.

Managing Director Danielle Checketts said: “The level of support at Westminster was phenomenal. Surgeons and healthcare leaders took time out of packed schedules to join us and stand alongside the cause.

“Several female MPs shared reflections on their own childbirth experiences. These conversations reinforced something we hear repeatedly from patients. Names matter. Visibility matters. Knowing who is caring for you matters.”

The Eco Ninjas team was dressed in hospital scrubs for the visit – which did raise some eyebrows.

Danielle added: “A small miscommunication meant that half our team, dressed in scrubs, gowns and hats, were briefly mistaken for a potential protest while moving through the building. The result was an escort by ten armed police back to our room, a firm instruction to change our clothing, and our theatre attire confiscated until the end of the day.”