Our latest Volunteer of the Month is Daisy, our Pets As Therapy dog, who has been supporting the wellbeing of patients and colleagues with her owner and volunteering companion, Robert Markless.
We asked Robert to answer a few questions about their role as volunteers.
How long have you been volunteering for?
Daisy started volunteering in 2017 with Pets As Therapy (PAT) and we joined CHFT in 2019. We were stood down during Covid-19, but were fortunate to come back in 2022.
What made you want to volunteer?
Daisy is originally from Romania and really enjoys being social and enjoys the attention. It’s also really nice to see the smiles she brings to patients and colleagues’ faces, whilst we’re out and about on our visits.
What do you get out of volunteering?
LOTS of smiles. Well actually, Daisy receives lots of cuddles and I receive the smiles. It’s that reaction that also makes me smile.
Why do you think the role of a PAT volunteer is important and what’s the benefit to our patients and staff?
There are lots of benefits. Often patients are missing their own pets when they’re in hospital and it brings them lots of joy to see another animal. Colleagues also like to have a break. I can tell that even a few seconds away from their tasks for a stroke with Daisy makes them feel better and lifts their morale. The feedback I get really makes it worth it.
What’s your favourite bit of feedback from someone who has benefitted?
The son of a patient told us: “When dad saw Daisy, it put a smile on his face for the first time in several days.”
It’s not just the patients who benefit, but friends and family as well, so to support them also, really makes what we do worth it.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Lots of walks, and Daisy likes lots of treats!
Volunteering Services Lead, Stevie Cheesman, said: “Robert and Daisy continuously go above and beyond supporting patients across various areas within CHFT and The Rainbow Community Hub. They’ve supported countless patient and colleague visits. They also recently supported the launch of the Children and Young People Strategy (CYP), as PAT Dogs have been included in it based on what younger people asked for.
“Therapy dogs are specially trained dogs that offer affection, comfort and love to individuals. In a world where mental health awareness is gaining more importance, therapy dogs are emerging as unsung heroes, supporting those in need. These extraordinary animals and their ability to touch lives and impact on health, wellbeing and recovery is remarkable”.
How to book a visit
To book a therapy dog visit, ward and department managers or leads can fill in this form or email chftvolunteering@cht.nhs.uk
