(Left to right: Yogi, Rocket, Rudi and Betty)

30 March 2023

With two new additions to Frimley Health’s Pets As Therapy (PAT) team this year so far, we now have four therapy dogs across our sites.

With thanks to FHFT’s incredible Voluntary services team and the PAT charity, since July 2022 we have introduced Yogi the Australian labradoodle and Rudi the Hungarian wire-haired vizsla to Frimley Park Hospital, alongside Rocket the labrador and Betty the cocker spaniel to Wexham Park Hospital.

Therapy dogs have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, promote healing, lower blood pressure, and lift spirits. They provide a comforting source of healing touch for children and adults, allowing patients and staff alike to benefit from their visits. Yogi was the first therapy dog introduced to the Trust, in July 2022. His owners, Keith and Rhiannon, said they felt “privileged and honoured to be able to bring Yogi’s therapeutic presence into the hospital environment”. He interacts with so many different people, “bringing something different to each individual; a memory, a comfort, a smile”.

Each dog-and-owner team come to the hospitals on designated days of the week, visiting the wards on rotation. Both staff and patients/relatives can request visits from our furry friends, ensuring that patients who would benefit the most from a cuddle and a chat can do so. The dogs go through a vetting process with the PAT charity, analysing their responses to various stimuli such as loud noises, shouting or even being tugged on. Their temperament is also observed, as well as their general response to commands.

Once passed, the volunteers select where they would like to volunteer their time from a list of venues that are in need of therapy dogs. This ranges from schools and universities to hospitals, nursing homes and hospices.

Our voluntary services team is hoping to introduce another PAT dog to Farnham soon, with plans to do the same at Heatherwood and Heathlands in the near future. With a growing pack, our therapy dogs will continue to be integrated into our care and help us improve the care experience for our patients.