As part of our volunteer service, we have several Pets as Therapy (PAT) dogs who visit the hospital. This is a wonderful programme where registered PAT dogs visit our patients to say hello.
Research has suggested that introducing a companion animal into a hospital setting can result in patients feeling more at ease, communicative and more motivated to engage, which we have found to be true.
If you are interested in becoming a PAT volunteer please contact the Pets as Therapy organisation, their website is: https://www.petsastherapy.org/