Staff Profile - Barbara O’Donnell

We asked Barbara O’Donnell to tell us about herself and her experience with name and role theatre caps and also the story behind her badge. Thanks for taking part Barbara.

What is your role in operating theatre's?

My role in operating theatre is Band 7 Anaesthetic Team Leader, looking after the team of Anaesthetic Nurses and Operating Department Practioners.

What do you see are the benefits of name and role theatre caps?

I see the benefits of name and role caps as being a simple but very effective patient safety imitative, that can really save time when it really counts, including in situations where a practitioner is scrubbed or their regular badge is not visible. 

Do you have any stories of name and role caps improving your workplace?

No stories per se, but I am finding that name and role theatre caps are helpful in underpinning good teamwork. Everyone likes to be called by the correct name. 

What has the journey been like implementing the name and role caps in your hospital?

I can take no credit for implementing name and role theatre caps at my workplace. My job has been to support the initiatives roll out and wave the flag by wearing mine. My colleagues Matron Jane Laking, Ms Chandrima Biswas and Charge Nurse Rhoderick Panganiban were the key people instrumental in rolling it out at Whittington Health. It’s my understanding that the challenges faced were around finanance and infection control. 

Any other comments? 

The #hellomynameis badges are an NHS initiative, which serve a double purpose. The #hellomynameis campaign was started by Dr Kate Grainger, who as a terminally ill patient found that many staff did not introduce themselves to her, while providing care. The heart of the campaign is about providing person centered compassionate car. Black lettering on a yellow background makes the badge more easily legible to dementia patients and worn on a uniform, is at patient appropriate eye level, where the cap may not be as visible.

Our thanks to Barbara for this insight into her experience.  

If you're interested in purchasing personalised TheatreCaps for yourself or your team then please do check out our website TheatreCaps.com