Royal North Shore Hospital is focused on patient identification this March and is calling on staff and patients to make it front of mind. 

Matching March is an initiative by the Patient Identification Taskforce and aims to raise awareness about the importance of correct patient identification.

As part of Matching March, ‘Match with a Mate’ day took place on 15 March. Staff were encouraged to dress up wearing colourful socks or ribbons, for example, and match with a colleague, but discretion was left up to the teams to get creative.

Nurse Manager of the Division of Surgery and Anaesthesia Sophie Lange said the initiative is about improving practice and education for patients and staff. 

The RNSH executive team visited many departments and units wearing matching items. The most ‘matched’ department was awarded to 8D (pictured on front cover) for their clear message and inclusion of the whole team.