How Embroidered Scrubs Promote Compassionate Care

Small details, big impact — make compassionate care visible.

In healthcare, compassion is more than a value — it’s a vital part of healing. For vulnerable patients, the simple act of knowing who is caring for them can reduce anxiety and build trust. Embroidered scrubs that display a clinician’s name and role are a small, practical way to make that connection visible throughout a patient’s journey.

Introducing the Person, Not Just the Practitioner

The Hello My Name Is campaign, founded by Dr Kate Granger, highlights that introductions are more than polite — they are the foundation of trust. Visible names and roles on uniforms reinforce that introduction long after the first interaction.

In Australia, the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) has encouraged members to embrace stronger patient connection and clear identification. By adopting consistent name-and-role embroidery, anaesthetists and theatre teams can help humanise the clinical environment — supporting reassurance before procedures.

Compassion and Communication: Insights from the Garling Report

The Garling Report (Special Commission of Inquiry into Acute Care Services in NSW Public Hospitals) emphasised patient-centred care, respectful communication and transparency. Making names and roles visible supports those aims by turning intent into an everyday signal:

“I’m here. I’m accountable. I see you.”

Why Embroidery Matters in Everyday Care

• Clarity and trust: Patients and families can quickly see who is caring for them, reducing confusion and anxiety.
• Professional warmth: A polished uniform with a personal identifier makes clinical interactions feel more human.
• Team identity and accountability: Standardised identification supports pride, consistency and responsibility.
• Visible values: Optional campaign insignia can keep compassionate care front-of-mind for staff and patients.

How to Implement Name and Role Embroidery in Your Organisation

1. Adopt the ethos: Encourage staff to introduce themselves verbally and reinforce it visually. Campaign guidance is available via Hello My Name Is.
2. Set a clear embroidery standard: Use a consistent format (e.g., First name + Role) with readable font size and placement. See Customise Your Scrubs.
3. Roll out by department: Start with high-contact teams (e.g., theatres, ED, wards) and expand. For large-scale support, see Business Orders.
4. Align to organisational goals: Position identification as part of communication and culture improvements, aligned with patient-centred care priorities.
5. Measure and share wins: Collect patient feedback and staff responses, and share outcomes through huddles or internal newsletters.

Make Compassion Visible

In busy clinical environments, simple details matter. When a patient can see the name and role of the person caring for them, it strengthens trust and supports a calmer, more connected experience. With consistent embroidery standards, uniforms can become a visible promise of compassionate care.