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Dutch the Dog to the rescue!
A pets as therapy dog named Dutch is helping mental health patients in care at the James Fletcher Hospital to open up to treatment and overcome obstacles on the road to recovery.
Each Tuesday the cute canine is led around the Acacia, Bluegum and Huon Wards in the Thwaites Building by his owner, former nurse Nuala Lyons, happy to lap up cuddles and pats from up to 30 patients.
“It’s amazing the effect Dutch visiting the hospital has on the patients, one patient at the hospital wouldn’t speak to anyone, no one knew who he was but within 15 minutes of meeting Dutch the man opened up and was speaking to everyone,” Ms Lyons said.
He even performs tricks for the patients, speaking on command, shaking hands, catching biscuits and even giving out kisses.
“The doctors have given me some very positive feedback, sometimes they put off talking to patients until after Dutch has finished his visit because they are in a better frame of mind and talk more openly about what is troubling them.”
Dutch receives regular vaccines because of the hospital environment he works in, his local veterinarian even giving the pooch a discount due to his charity work.
Manager of Planning and Performance at the Hunter New England Mental Health Unit, Julie Cutting-Parker said pets as therapy dogs have been used at the facility for more than six years it’s quite amazing the reaction we get from patients.
“It lifts the mood of the patients in the wards they are quite interactive and improves communication between patients and staff. Dutch is an asset to the hospital, he reminds the patients of their family pet,” Ms Cutting Parker said.
Pets as therapy animals are also used at Taree, Maitland and Morisset Mental Health Units with plans to roll out the program to Tamworth. (HNE – 1448)
Contact: Kylie Dawson
Phone: (02) 6767 7136 or 0408 667 299
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