Healthwatch Warrington has launched a special “About Me” awareness card, a pioneering initiative designed to empower patients and improve communication with healthcare professionals.
This card helps individuals disclose personal triggers and request reasonable adjustments in a simple, non-verbal format, enhancing patient experience and promoting person-centred care.
Online applications for the ‘About Me’ card have opened via www.healthwatchwarrington.co.uk/about-me. Eligible applicants must be over 18, live in Warrington, and require reasonable adjustments during medical or therapeutic appointments.
The card has been developed by Healthwatch Warrington, in collaboration with the Patient Experience and Inclusion Team at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is currently recognised at Warrington Hospital.
“The About Me card began as a trauma awareness card developed by Healthwatch Essex,” said Crissi Morad, Project Lead at Healthwatch Warrington. “We’ve adapted it to reflect the needs of Warrington residents, using feedback from focus groups to shape its design and purpose. This is an exciting project and the support from the Patient Experience and Inclusion Team has been invaluable. I’m really looking forward to continuing this work with the hospital.”
The pilot of the card will run until February 2026, and participant feedback will be vital in shaping the future of the initiative.
Lydia Hughes, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Warrington and Chair for Healthwatch Halton said: “After the 6-month pilot we will evaluate the feedback and look to obtain further funding so we will be able to roll this out to other partners and members of the public in Warrington. Please follow our social media and our website to keep up to date with our progress.”
Ali Kennah, Chief Nurse at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals, said: “I am delighted to see this new initiative being piloted at our Trust. We are committed to meeting the needs of our patients and recognising where reasonable adjustments may be needed to provide the best patient care. The pilot of this card will help us to support any patient that may have been affected by trauma and help us ensure that everyone has a positive healthcare experience.”
Sponsored by Warrington Worldwide, the project reflects a commitment to inclusive, compassionate healthcare for all.
For more information or to apply, visit: www.healthwatchwarrington.co.uk/about-me