A TERMINALLY ill doctor has inspired the next generation of hospital workers by speaking to them about her own experiences as a patient.

Dr Kate Granger MBE spoke to 90 healthcare cadets aged between 16 and 18 at Fairfield General Hospital to talk about her 'Hello, My Name Is' campaign, which aims to encourage NHS staff to introduce themselves to their patients.

Dr Granger suffers from an aggressive form of cancer and as both a doctor and a cancer patient, she is no stranger to hospital visits.

After being seen to by three medical staff on one emergency department visit, Dr Granger, originally from Leeds, was disheartened that no one introduced themselves to her.

Speaking of her experience, the consultant in elderly medicine said: "I got the idea for the campaign after an experience in an emergency department where I was treated by three different staff, none of whom introduced themselves to me, either by their name or job title.

"The first person to introduce himself to me was a porter and by him telling me his name, I immediately felt at ease."

Dr Granger is keen to speak to younger people as she believes they are the future of the profession and the ones who can help carry her message forward.

The meeting, on January 6, was also attended by representatives of the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust's education and research teams as well as Skills for Health Academy, which provides improved healthcare solutions.

One student inspired by Kate's speech is Molly Fitzpatrick. Molly is a first year cadet from Blackley. She said: "I think it's amazing what Kate has achieved with her campaign.

"I always introduce myself to patients as it makes them more comfortable and it is easier to strike up a conversation with them."

Ursula Caldwell, clinical educator at the Trust, said: "The academy team discuss the 'Hello, My Name Is' campaign with the cadets during their induction, however it is an extra boost to have the person who began this campaign speaking to them. It brings the whole campaign to life."