Therapy animals make return visit to see patients at Easter
The therapy animals made a much-anticipated return visit to Ward 3, King’s Lodge at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital in Derby, this time spreading some springtime cheer. The special visit featured two cheeky lambs named Tiny and Timmy, alongside a cast of cuddly companions – all bringing comfort and smiles to patients being cared for on the neurological rehabilitation ward.
The visit was a true Easter treat, as patients enjoyed the soothing experience of stroking fluffy rabbits, guinea pigs, and a sweet group of baby chicks. Lambs Timmy and Tiny stole the show, bounding about playfully and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. Patients also had the opportunity to feed the lively pair, making the day even more memorable.
Therapy Assistant, Kim Tooze, shared just how powerful these visits can be,” Therapy animals do more than just make our patients smile”, she says, “They help create a calm, comforting atmosphere that helps reduce anxiety and lower stress levels, helping patients on their recovery journey”.
Jayne*, a patient on Ward 3, shared a touching comment with our team on how far her rehabilitation journey had come, going from having no movement in her arms, to now stroking a baby chick. Kim told us about Jayne’s rehabilitation, saying ” Jayne had no movement in her arms when she first came to us. With a lot of upper limb exercises, stretches and using the Syrebo Rehabilitation Robot Glove, which was funded by the charity, she now has movement in her arms. “.
It wasn’t just the patients who were charmed – staff were equally smitten with the group of animals making it a special visit for everyone present.
The therapy visits, which are funded by donations and fundraising to Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, are an integral part of the support that patients receive at King’s Lodge. This, alongside visits at Christmas time are funded by our charity and make such a difference, as many patients spend extended periods on the ward during their recovery. If you would like to support these programmes, please visit www.dbhc.org/donate.
To all of our supporters: thank you for helping us fund impactful programmes like this. Your contributions help brighten hospital stays, one paw, hoof, or chirp at a time.
*Patient’s name has changed to maintain confidentiality.
