Snowy the rabbit is hospital hit

A rabbit named Snowy is being credited with making a real impact upon the lives of patients at a Perth hospital.

The four-legged friend has been introduced to the Rannoch Ward at Murray Royal, which cares for those with psychiatric needs.

The full-time “therapet” calls a hutch in the 10-bed ward’s garden home and is being cared for by those in the ward.

They are responsible for cleaning and feeding their new companion who has already proved a hit.

Evidence shows that animals can be beneficial within environments such as the psychiatric hospital as they help to reduce stress levels, slow heartbeats and reduce blood pressure.

Animal assisted therapy is a growing area of healthcare, in which doctors know medication is not always the best or only solution to what ails patients.

Programmes typically call upon dogs, cats and horses but pigs, birds, guinea pigs, lamas and rabbits like Snowy are also used.

Senior charge nurse Donna Robertson is a firm believer in the benefits of bringing animals into the hospital. She said: “The rehab team here has been keen to have a therapet within the unit for a long time.

“The benefits pets can have on people’s mental health are well recognised.

“We have already seen some positive benefits for patients since Snowy arrived here in the Rannoch Ward.”