Pet therapy partnership brings ‘unconditional love’ to Northern Trust hospital patients

A new partnership between the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and charity organisation Pets as Therapy is helping bring comfort, companionship and emotional support to patients through regular therapeutic pet visits in hospital wards.

As part of the initiative, therapy dogs Pickle, Charlie and Bailey – accompanied by their volunteer owners – have begun visiting patients in a number of specialist units at Antrim Area Hospital.

Gillian and her golden retriever-poodle mix, Pickle, and Ivan with collie-cross Charlie spend time with patients in the Macmillan Unit, while Hazel and schnauzer Bailey meet patients receiving care within stroke services.

‘Unconditional love’ proving invaluable

Pickle receiving some cuddles from Macmillan Occupational Therapist Elaine Neill

Paula Marshall, the Northern Trust’s Volunteer Service Manager, explained how the collaboration with Pets as Therapy was established.

“It became apparent that patients were missing their pets at home, and we thought it would be therapeutic to have pets coming in to visit patients in some of our different hospital settings.

“It has gone down particularly well so far. There is no judgment from pets; just unconditional love and patients have found it to be really beneficial.”

The Trust says the response from patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with therapy dogs helping to reduce stress, boost morale and offer moments of joy during challenging times.

Emotional comfort and conversation

Pickle the golden retriever/poodle mix

Macmillan Volunteer Coordinator Nicola McAleese highlighted the emotional value the visiting animals bring.

“They bring a lot of emotional wellbeing, comfort and they just have a calming atmosphere when they go in and visit the patient, who may be in a lot of pain or discomfort that day.”

Nicola added that therapy pets often spark fond memories and conversation among patients:

“It has often been a conversation starter where patients can strike up a connection with the volunteers and talk about their own pets, so it is just great that it provides a little bit of happiness during a difficult time.”

Training and approval essential

Before any animal can participate in the programme, Pets as Therapy conducts a full suitability assessment to ensure they are calm, safe and appropriate for a clinical environment.

Once approval is granted, the Trust matches the volunteer and their pet to the hospital service most suited to their skills and temperament.

Anyone who believes their pet may be a suitable candidate can find more information at the Pets as Therapy website or by contacting the charity directly.

The Northern Trust is also encouraging individuals interested in volunteering across its services to get in touch.

If you feel your pet would be a suitable candidate for Pets as Therapy, more information is available on the charity’s website https://www.petsastherapy.org/ . Alternatively, you can ring 01865 671440 or email info@petsastherapy.org.

Additionally, if you are interested in volunteering with any services within the Northern Trust, please email volunteer.service@northerntrust.hscni.net or ring 07443314890 Monday and Thursday, 8am-6pm.