Saying ‘Hello, my name is . . .’ can get forgotten by medical staff when they are rushing around the wards treating patients.

But at Croydon University Hospital they are taking the words very seriously after adopting the campaign of terminally ill doctor Kate Granger.

The cancer patient started the Hello, My Name Is initiative during a hospital stay in Leeds where many staff looking after her did not introduce themselves.

Her idea is now spreading across the NHS and CUH’s deputy medical director Dr Nenna Osuji said she has created a lasting legacy.

Dr Osuji heard the doctor speak at a health summit last year and said: “It was impressive and humbling and a breath of fresh air.

She added: “Her legacy will have a positive effect on people’s lives for years to come.

“Kate has achieved something that is NHS wide.”