We are pleased to share that our Parliamentary meeting at Westminster is now scheduled for the afternoon of 15 April 2026. This represents a significant opportunity to highlight how improving visibility, communication, and human connection in surgery can strengthen patient safety across the NHS.

Listening to Patients: Insights from Leeds

Last week, we joined a Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) session with the Patient Carer Community (PCC) at the University of Leeds. Over 90 minutes, we listened to patients share honest, moving accounts of what matters most before, during, and after surgery. Their reflections reaffirmed something we have always believed: behind every procedure is a person who deserves clarity, reassurance, and dignity.

What Patients Told Us

Before surgery, fear and anxiety are common. Introductions are often rushed and difficult to remember, especially under medication or stress — patients said that visible names and roles bring a sense of safety and human connection. During surgery when awake, clear names and roles help patients feel cared for rather than processed. After surgery, many patients leave theatre without knowing who looked after them, which can feel impersonal. Across all stages, the message was unmistakable: patients want clarity, reassurance, and human connection.

Why This Matters Beyond the Operating Theatre

A key insight echoed by everyone we met — including the surgeon leading the Somerset pilot and midwifery manager Kathryn Harrison from Swindon — was that while cost and environmental benefits are important, the greatest impact is human.

Patients feel calmer, more informed, and safer when they can see who is caring for them. Staff feel more visible, valued, and connected. International colleagues, trainees, and those from diverse cultural or religious backgrounds have said that clear identification fosters confidence, teamwork, and civility.

A Highlight from Earlier This Month

On 8th January, I recorded a vodcast with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, tracing our journey from 2020 when Elizabeth Fitzhugh first asked me to write my name on a disposable theatre hat. We discussed embroidered prototypes and the significant limitations of embroidery — including waste when roles change and the inability to be centrally laundered under infection control. These challenges underscore why reusable badge hats offer a far more scalable, NHS-aligned solution.

Looking Ahead to Westminster

As we prepare for our Parliamentary meeting on 15 April, we remain focused on patient experience and civility, workforce engagement and inclusivity, national resilience and patient safety, and sustainability. We are incredibly grateful to every patient, clinician, and team who has shared their experiences with us. This work has always been about people — and this is only the beginning.