Patient voices have led the way at Eight Mile Plains Satellite Health Centre, with the introduction of photographic identification (ID) cards for dialysis patients.
As part of a local quality improvement initiative, patients receiving haemodialysis in the facility’s Kidney Dialysis Unit are now issued a personalised ID card when they commence treatment.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Karina Murphy said this innovative change - offering an alternative to the traditional hospital-style ID band - stemmed directly from patient feedback seeking greater comfort and a less clinical treatment experience.
“Many patients expressed discomfort with wearing the armbands during treatment and said it gave them the impression of being admitted to hospital rather than attending a regular outpatient service,” Karina said.
"We had a few patients transfer to us from Redlands Satellite Health Centre when we first opened and they all asked if we could implement the ID cards.
“This feedback sparked a discussion to find an identification method that better reflected outpatient care, leading to the introduction of photographic ID cards for dialysis patients.”
The new photographic ID cards not only improve patient safety but are also reusable, helping reduce waste - a practical change that supports Metro South Health’s wider commitment to sustainability.
“It’s a win for patients, staff, and the environment," Karina said.
Each card features a colour photograph of the patient’s head and shoulders, alongside three core identifiers: full name, date of birth, and unique record number. The cards are clearly visible, worn on the patient’s clothing during each session.
Karina said her team was proud to lead the initiative that was developed to strengthen patient-centred care by reducing identification errors and improving communication.
“Dialysis is a high-risk treatment that often involves the administration of multiple medications, blood tests, and monitoring over several hours,” Karina said.
“Introducing consistent visual identification helps our staff confidently verify the right person at every step - from setting up the dialysis machine to administering medications or collecting blood samples.
“It’s not just about meeting policy. It’s about keeping our patients safe, respecting their rights, and making them feel known and cared for during a vulnerable time in their lives.”
While the change may seem simple, its impact is expected to be significant and is one of many examples of how patient voices are shaping the future of healthcare at Metro South Health.
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