“You can see that stress and worry just disappear”
A therapy dog called Skye is helping to brighten the Thursday mornings of unwell children and teenagers at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.
The three-year-old Collie is the Children’s Hospital’s first ever therapy dog, provided by the charity Pets as Therapy. He attends the hospital each Thursday, with parents and staff saying the happiness Skye brings the children, some of whom have been long-term inpatients, is a joy to watch.
Speaking to Belfast Live on Thursday, Carol McCarthy, who is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, spoke of how having Skye come into the ward can help alleviate some stresses being felt by the children and teenagers who they care for.
“We have been really happy that Skye has come in recently to the ward. Lots of our kids have pets at home, and when they are in for long admissions, they really do miss them,” Carol said.
“The other key thing is, I am sure we all know, anyone who has a pet, the joy that they bring, when you are stressed, or unwell. They have such companionship and they make you feel better. Skye is doing that for us and our kids love it.
“We have patients who have been in for a while now and they have got a little bit scared and have been a little bit down and when Skye comes in, they come to the play area and they just light up. They absolutely love it. The great thing about Skye is, we have these lovely play areas and that is great sometimes for our younger kids, but it can be difficult for our teenagers, and we do have a lot more teenagers coming into the Children’s Hospital now.
“Skye is great for our teenagers to come down, getting away from the bed space and getting to spend some time with Skye. You can just see that stress and worry just disappear. It has been brilliant having Skye come in.”
Brigitte Bartholome, volunteer with Pets As Therapy spoke to Belfast Live at the hospital’s Paul Ward. She said: “I worked here in the hospital for about 20 years as the lead in the Emergency Department, so I know the place very well.
“Pets as Therapy is a charity and you have to be trained, both you and the dog. I have been a volunteer now for four months, and have been here with Skye for about three months.
“It is really important that the dogs are safe to do this job because you deal with really vulnerable children. I come here on a Thursday morning, and it is great. The children love to have some distraction because being in hospital is terrible. The Play Therapists do a really good job.
“The children usually leave, after seeing Skye, and giving a cuddle, with a big smile on their face. If we can help that, I think Skye and I have done our jobs very well.
“My role as a volunteer is very rewarding. It is lovely to share my love of dogs and to share my beautiful wee teddy bear Skye, with other kids. It is not only for the children, it is for the staff too who have a very stressful job.”
For more information about Pets As Therapy, including how to volunteer, visit this link.
Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.
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