NHS Conference, Parliament Date & More

Putting Patients at the Heart of Surgical Communication

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.

This past week has been full of important milestones and inspiring conversations that continue to shape our work.

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), led by the brilliant Jools Symons, PPIE Manager and Lived Experience Network Lead at the University of Leeds.

As communication during surgery remains our top priority for Westminster, this was a powerful and grounding session. 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)This is an intensely vulnerable moment. Medication, stress, and limited vision can make it hard to identify staff. Patients shared that clear names and roles in easy to locate positions would help them feel cared for rather than processed.

After surgery

Many patients leave theatre without knowing who looked after them, which can feel impersonal. They described feeling grateful yet guilty for forgetting names, something which visible identification can help avoid.

Across all stages, the message was unmistakable:

Patients want clarity, reassurance, and human connection. Even small changes can make care feel personal.

We also discussed practical challenges with traditional name badges, which are often hard to read from a patient’s position. Many praised name badges on theatre hats as a simple solution that could make a meaningful difference.

Due to the success of this meeting and the incredible feedback from patients, we have been asked to do another focus group next week so we will of course be sharing these insights as well.

Why This Matters Beyond the Operating Theatre

Last Friday, our team met with senior surgical and midwifery leaders and Parliamentary advisors to explore the national impact of visible identification and Theatre Badge Hats.

A key insight echoed by everyone, 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.

Key Themes from Clinical Teams

1. Patient Experience and Civility

Patients feel calmer, more informed, and safer when they can see who is caring for them. This is particularly important for individuals with communication challenges or during high‑pressure situations.

2. Workforce Engagement and Inclusivity

Staff feel more visible, valued, and connected. International colleagues, trainees, and those from diverse cultural or religious backgrounds have said that clear identification helps foster confidence, teamwork, and civility.

These themes highlight what truly underpins high‑quality healthcare: Safety, dignity, civility, and human connection.

Sustainability remains central to our work, but it is the human stories that propel this movement forward.

A Highlight from Earlier This Month

On the 8th January, I recorded a vodcast with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, whose internationally recognised model for quality and patient‑centred care continues to inspire healthcare systems around the world.

I was joined by Elizabeth Fitzhugh, Net Zero Lead at UHCW and former theatre manager. Together, we traced our journey from 2020, when she first asked me to write my name on a disposable theatre hat.  We discussed embroidered prototypes which is how we started out on our journey, and now towards sustainable reusable badge hats.

We discussed the significant limitations of embroidery, including waste when roles change and the fact that embroidered hats cannot be centrally laundered under infection control. These challenges underscore why reusable badge hats offer a far more scalable, NHS‑aligned solution.

I look forward to sharing the vodcast once it is released.

This Week’s Activity: Conferences and Acceleration

Yesterday, we attended an NHS conference at Edgbaston, where the feedback and conversations were truly inspiring. We will share the highlights and some of the brilliant comments we received in a dedicated blog very soon.

And tomorrow, we’re excited to be attending the NHS programme accelerator in Leeds, where we’ll continue exploring how Eco Ninjas can expand its reach, support more Trusts, and strengthen our journey towards national and international growth.

Looking Ahead to Westminster

As we prepare for our Parliamentary meeting on 15 April, we remain focused on priorities shaped by those who understand clinical environments best:

• Patient experience and civility

• Workforce engagement and inclusivity

• National resilience and patient safety

• Sustainability.

We are incredibly grateful to every patient, clinician, and team who has shared their experiences with us. From Somerset and Swindon to Leeds, your voices guide our work and remind us that simple, human‑centred solutions can transform care.

This work has always been about people. It always will be. And this is only the beginning.

If you’d like to share your thoughts on improving patient experience and surgical communication, we would love to hear from you.