About Me Awareness Card Pilot Improves Patient Experience and Reduces Anxiety Across Warrington Health Services
The card was created to help people communicate additional needs, triggers, communication preferences and reasonable adjustments when accessing services. It is particularly beneficial for people living with anxiety, autism, neurodivergence, trauma-related conditions and other hidden disabilities.
Developed in partnership with North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (formerly Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals), the pilot was introduced across emergency and outpatient services at Warrington Hospital. Approximately 120 to 150 patients had About Me alerts added to their records, enabling staff to better understand and respond to individual needs before appointments and treatment.
The review found that the card improved communication between patients and professionals, reduced distress and supported more personalised care. Hospital teams reported fewer escalated situations, and more effective consultations when patient needs were known in advance.
Common support needs identified included:
- Clear and simple communication (55%)
- Quiet waiting areas (40%)
- Additional consultation time (35%)
- Reduced sensory stimulation, including noise and lighting (30%)
Patients shared positive feedback about the initiative.
One cardholder said:
"It helped me explain things I usually can't say when I feel overwhelmed."
Another commented:
"Staff understood me straight away without me having to repeat myself."
The initiative's success has also extended beyond healthcare. In January 2025, Warrington Jobcentre began recognising and accepting the card to help individuals communicate additional needs when accessing employment and benefits support.
Ali Kennah, Chief Nurse at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We are delighted to have supported Healthwatch Warrington’s trial of the About Me Card in selected Warrington Hospital services and welcome the positive findings in the evaluation report. We will now work with our partners to consider how the card can complement existing initiatives and processes which aim to improve communication, reduce anxiety and support care tailored to each patient’s needs.”
Lydia Hughes, Joint CEO of Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton, said:
"Special thanks to our team who worked incredibly hard to shape the pilot. We hope that this will form a positive and effective framework moving forward for all providers who implement the card."
The report recommends expanding the initiative across additional healthcare and community settings, alongside increased staff awareness and training. The findings demonstrate that a simple, person-centred intervention can make a meaningful difference, helping ensure patients feel heard, understood and supported whenever they access services.
About Me Pilot Review
Read the full report on the findings of our About Me Pilot
