Hospital puts names on doctors’ hats to improve communication

By Filipa Gaspar

A hospital has put name badges on doctors ‘ medical hats – so patients know who is treating them.

The badge hats have been designed by Danielle Checketts a former medical professional – as she was being misidentified as other people when wearing scrubs during her surgeon training days.

Medical professionals in orthopaedic theaters at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, have been trialling the new reusable theater hats – each with personalized name badges.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said patients have expressed a “strong preference” for knowing who is providing their care.

Checketts, from hospital clothing company Eco Ninjas, said for patients entering a theater department can be a “daunting experiencing” – especially if they don’t know the names of the staff provi