Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Stroke patients at Cimla Hospital in Neath are now receiving therapy of a different kind from a big furry friend.
The charity, Pets as Therapy (PAT) has introduced pet therapy sessions to stroke patients to help them with their recovery.
Staff and patients on Glannant Ward greeted their first therapy dog, Toby, a three year old St Bernard.
The pet therapy sessions help lift the mood of patients, stimulate their conversation and increase their motivation by allowing them to have some quality time with their four legged friend.
Picture: Emeline Mullen, Health Care Support Worker; Toby; and his owner Glyn Eynon
For an owner, missing the companionship of a dog or cat when in hospital can often contribute to low moods, which can impact on physical and emotional well being and may ultimately delay the rehabilitation process.
Glannant Ward Manager, Sister Elaine Parsons has allowed patients’ own pets onto the ward in the past, noticing how the other patients also enjoyed seeing these pets.
It was then decided to make it a regular part of rehabilitation, so staff contacted PAT to become part of the therapy process.
Anne Higgs, Senior Physiotherapist said: “The first session went extremely well. The levels of participation and engagement were very pleasing even amongst some of the more poorly patients.
“For some activities, participation numbers can be quite low but today was overwhelming, with the majority of the patients keen to attend – we even had to arrange extra seating in the dayroom.
“The patients became so animated during the session and conversation flowed, continuing well into the evening.”
Glannant Ward patient, Mrs Ilen Hughes said: “I really miss my two King Charles Spaniels so it was lovely to see such a big dog on the ward. It really cheered everybody up.”
Staff and patients on Glannant Ward greeted their first therapy dog, Toby, a three year old St Bernard.
The pet therapy sessions help lift the mood of patients, stimulate their conversation and increase their motivation by allowing them to have some quality time with their four legged friend.
Picture: Emeline Mullen, Health Care Support Worker; Toby; and his owner Glyn Eynon For an owner, missing the companionship of a dog or cat when in hospital can often contribute to low moods, which can impact on physical and emotional well being and may ultimately delay the rehabilitation process.
Glannant Ward Manager, Sister Elaine Parsons has allowed patients’ own pets onto the ward in the past, noticing how the other patients also enjoyed seeing these pets.
It was then decided to make it a regular part of rehabilitation, so staff contacted PAT to become part of the therapy process.
Anne Higgs, Senior Physiotherapist said: “The first session went extremely well. The levels of participation and engagement were very pleasing even amongst some of the more poorly patients.
“For some activities, participation numbers can be quite low but today was overwhelming, with the majority of the patients keen to attend – we even had to arrange extra seating in the dayroom.
“The patients became so animated during the session and conversation flowed, continuing well into the evening.”
Glannant Ward patient, Mrs Ilen Hughes said: “I really miss my two King Charles Spaniels so it was lovely to see such a big dog on the ward. It really cheered everybody up.”
