Patients in Stanmore can now receive therapy from a local hospital’s latest recruit.
Seven-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog Barney has joined Labradors Luna and Jet, Artie the prize-winning Saluki, and Bonnie the spaniel as part of the Pets As Therapy (PAT) team at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH).
The dogs are a valuable resource at RNOH both for patients who miss their own animals and for staff.
Diane Young, involvement and volunteering lead at RNOH, said: “Our patients come from across the UK and are often with us for long periods of time. The PAT dogs are very special; they just seem to know who needs a cuddle. For patients who have not seen their own pets, this lifts their mood and morale.
“You can visibly see the change in people; the smiles are infectious. It really is an event when Barney comes onto the ward – you can’t miss him, he is huge.
“All our dogs offer so much to our trust, our staff and our patients; they really do make a difference.”
Photo Credit: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
0 Comments