Dogs in hospitals could aid recovery

Here’s a paradox. Some hotels have a no-dog policy, but now some hospitals, those bastions of hygiene, are going to welcome them on to their wards.

This move comes from the ultra-conservative Royal College of Nursing because it says animal therapy will boost patients’ mental and physical health. And presumably free up a precious hospital bed more quickly.

A survey of 750 nurses found almost half had worked with animals at some point in their careers. In total, 82% said that animals – dogs in particular – encouraged patients to be more physically active, while nearly 60% said their presence appeared to speed physical recovery.

One in four nurses said all animals are banned by their current employer, most often on the grounds they could spread infection. However, the Royal College said the NHS should do more to respect the wishes of animal lovers.

Amanda Cheesley, RCN professional

Allowing pets on ward could ease anxiety

lead for long-term conditions, agrees saying allowing pets in hospitals could ease patients’ anxiety which in turn could help the recovery process.

“If a patient is phobic of needles it can help if their dog could go down with them to the operating theatre, and be there at the point before they have their injection,” she said. “Hospitals have been very reluctant to allow dogs in, whether it’s about fear of infection or about other patients being frightened.

“Clearly those things have to be taken into account but it doesn’t seem unreasonable for an elderly lady recovering from a hip operation to be wheeled out to meet her dog, or for him to be brought to her, to say hello.

“Clearly, you can’t allow dogs onto the beds, or to wander from room to room and you need to make sure they have had their inoculations. But it should be possible to bring more animals into healthcare settings.

“We know that for certain patients – such as those with dementia – stroking a dog, a cat, or a rabbit, can take them to a happier point in their lives.”

These sessions have also been shown to be helpful to people with a range of mental health problems and to ease anxiety in children, said the senior nurse.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has just begun a study to see whether therapy dogs can help children to recover from treatment.

Five dogs have been sent into two hospitals to explore the impact of the emotional bond on young children.