RCP president Professor Jane Dacre has paid tribute to Dr Kate Granger, the hospital consultant who has died after raising £250,000 for a cancer charity.
Dr Granger was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2011. As well as her fundraising for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre, through the #hellomynameis campaign she tried to improve the way doctors and nurses speak to patients.
After the announcement of Dr Granger's death, Professor Dacre said:
I had the great privilege of meeting Kate Granger on a number of occasions in my role here at the RCP and her dedication, clarity of thought and drive to really achieve meaningful change on our wards was extraordinary. The campaign of #hellomynameis has given all of us working in the NHS pause for thought and has reminded many that in healthcare it is the patient that should come first – always.
She made so many contributions to our profession but ultimately I will remember her ability to speak so eloquently about her illness and to break down a term such as ‘patient-centred care’ into something much more meaningful – a simple, human introduction. My thoughts are with the family of Kate at this very sad time.
The #hellomynameis campaign has grown to be supported by 400,000 doctors, nurses, therapists and porters across 90 NHS organisations. Dr Granger's contribution to healthcare was recognised by the RCP in 2011 when she became the first trainee to be elected as a fellow.
In memory of Dr Granger, the flag of the RCP is at half-mast outside our building in London.