St John of God Berwick Hospital's new four-legged friend
9 Aug 2017
9 August 2017
Pets have a special way of connecting with human beings. They make us feel relaxed and calm, and in fact, research has shown that pets provide both psychological and physiological benefits.
We are very proud to announce the launch of Pet Therapy at St John of God Berwick Hospital. The project was initiated by two hospital caregivers, Fiona Keith and Trina Lucas, who were participants in St John of God Healthcare’s Mission Mentoring program. Mission Mentoring is an annual program which sees specially chosen caregivers from each of St John of God Health Care divisions brought together over 4 day-long sessions to reflect upon the values of the organisation and to learn more about the mission of St John of God. The caregivers are asked to take their learnings and create a project which will benefit their specific hospital, putting the mission and values into place.
Fiona and Trina, having had many requests for pet visits from patients in the medical unit, initiated the Pet Therapy program.
The Delta Society has kindly agreed to offer the service weekly, on a Tuesday, from 10am. The Delta Society runs a world class program, which is the largest of its kind in Australia with over 1000+ volunteers. Their special dogs make regular visits to health care facilities to offer the wonderful benefits of pet therapy, spend time with patients and offer a chat, a floppy ear to listen and a paw to shake.
Delta volunteer, Emma Mooney, delivered the first round of therapy on Tuesday 8th August along with her gorgeous cavoodle, Lex. They will become regular visitors to the hospital. Patients in the medical ward, including palliative care, were invited to participate in a visit. If accepted, Emma and Lex visited the patient in the comfort of their room.
Patient Mandy Porter was one of the lucky first to spend time with Lex, “It made my day,” she said. Lex loves a cuddle and Mandy found the visit really brightened her day.
It is scientifically proven that interaction with a pet has positive health benefits:
- Physical – interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives motivation to move, walk and stimulates the senses
- Social – a visit with a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, promotes greater self esteem and well being, and focused interaction with others
- Cognitive – Canine companionship stimulates memory, problem solving and game playing
- Emotional – an adorable four-legged visitor improves self-esteem, acceptance from others, calming effect, lifts mood often provoking laughter
- Environmental – a dog in a facility decreases the feeling of a sterile environment, lifts mood and this continues after visit * Source: www.deltasociety.com.au
Health and safety is of utmost importance in a hospital setting and as part of the accreditation and induction to the program, the dog’s owner is required to present health and vaccination certification. Tests are necessary to meet Delta Society Australia’s strict disease control and prevention protocol.
The Pet Therapy program runs every Tuesday from 10am in the Medical Unit, including Palliative Care.
For enquiries or to book a visit, please email: [email protected]