Patients at a Black Country Healthcare NHS Trust are once again enjoying comfort and companionship, following the reintroduction of Pets As Therapy visits at two of the Trust’s hospitals.
Barney, a Pets As Therapy dog, and his owner Rowena are now making regular visits to both Bushey Fields Hospital and Edward Street Hospital, spending time with patients and bringing a welcome dose of canine companionship to the wards.
For people receiving inpatient mental health care, being away from home, family and much-loved pets can be difficult. Barney’s visits offer patients an opportunity to relax, interact and enjoy a little piece of everyday life during their hospital stay.
Research increasingly supports the benefits of animal-assisted interventions. A study involving patients and staff at a psychiatric rehabilitation service run by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust found that access to a therapy dog was viewed positively, with participants reporting benefits including improved mood, increased social interaction and providing comfort and companionship.
Rowena, Barney’s owner and Pets As Therapy and BCHFT volunteer, said: “Barney absolutely loves meeting people and getting plenty of fuss and attention. It’s wonderful to see the difference his visits can make – sometimes it’s a smile, a conversation or simply having a quiet moment together. We’re delighted to be visiting the hospitals and hopefully bringing patients a little comfort and happiness.”
Ruby, Volunteers Coordinator at BCHFT, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Pets As Therapy back to the Trust, and Barney and Rowena are already proving to be very popular visitors.
"Volunteers bring something special to our services, and these visits are a simple but meaningful way of supporting the wellbeing and experience of our patients.”
For patients who have their own pets at home, Barney’s visits can also provide a familiar and comforting connection while they are in hospital. His time on the wards gives patients something positive to look forward to, whether that means spending a few moments giving him some fuss, enjoying his company or simply having him nearby.
Barney and Rowena are just one example of the difference volunteers make across Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, giving their time, skills and experience to enhance patient care and bring connection and companionship to people using our services.
Through its volunteering programme, BCHFT is committed to creating more opportunities for people to share their time, skills and experiences in ways that make a meaningful difference to patients, carers and communities across the Black Country.
To find out more about volunteering with BCHFT and how you could make a difference, visit https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/working-for-us/vol
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