Great news! Our Pets as Therapy (PAT) volunteering programme is back, and pooches Rocco and Daisy have already been out and about on our wards.

Here at CHFT the mental and physical wellbeing of all our patients is very important. One of the ways we try to make things feel a little easier is by using PAT, a charity that's been helping people since 1983.

Therapy dogs are specially trained dogs that offer affection, comfort and love to individuals in hospitals and other settings. They are trained to interact with a variety of people and provide emotional support that can lead to stress reduction, improved mood, lower blood pressure, pain management and rehabilitation encouragement.

Volunteering Services Lead and Care Club Volunteering Lead, Stevie Cheesman, said: “We took therapy dogs Rocco and Daisy to visit some elderly patients on Ward 5 at HRI.

"They were absolutely thrilled to see them. One patient used to work for the RSPCA and was incredibly excited.

“Her daughter was visiting at the time and told me: "you've truly made her day, thank you so much". The reactions of the patients also had Ward Manager Paula Grice, close to tears.

Ward managers can book a PAT visit by following this link: PAT Visiting Health Care Settings Form (office.com)