Two new therapy dogs bring joy to patients at a Hospital unit in Kent
Patients at a hospital unit in Kent are going to have the excitement of being joined by two new therapy dogs.
Medway NHS Foundation Trust’s Sheppey Frailty Unit has welcomed two new therapy dogs, Molly and Hunney, to help bring comfort and happiness to patients, visitors and staff.
Every week, Molly, a four-year-old Cock-a-tzu, and Hunney, a one-year-old Cockapoo, will be tasked with bringing comfort and happiness to those on the frailty ward at Sheppey Community Hospital.
Molly's owner Tricia Higson said:
‘’I live in Sheppey and it’s about giving something back to the community and to the hospital. Molly and I get a lot out of it and the patients benefit greatly too – some people don’t have regular visitors, so that’s where we can step in and provide comfort.’’
Jo, Hunney's owner, said the visits with Hunney are enjoyed by all and give patients something to look forward to.
She said: ‘’Now we have regular weekly slots booked in we can tell the patients in advance when we are coming and it really gives them a boost. We cheer up the patients and their relatives too – it’s amazing to see how it benefits them.’’
Moving forward, the dogs will visit seperatley giving paitents two visits a week. However, on Wednesday 31st January, Molly and Hunney combined their powers of cuteness which left several people excited including Shirlee Jacobs who said: "They have really brightened up my day.
" They get everyone up, talking and bring positivity to the ward. I think it’s really important to have therapy animals like this. My daughter has dogs and my mum and dad always owned pets when I was growing up, so we are very much a dog family."
Molly and Hunney are the latest recruits to the Trust’s established team of therapy dogs, which includes golden retriever Yazzy, Siberian Husky Blue and Havanese Maltese cross Fred, who volunteer regularly at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham.
Zoe Goodman, the Trust’s Voluntary Services Manager, said: "They really help to bring cheer to people in hospital and we hear so much positive feedback about the dogs – it’s wonderful to see the smiles they put on people’s faces.’’