Hospital welcomes new therapy dog

Date: 14 August 2019

Yazzy for web

Medway Maritime Hospital has welcomed a new therapy dog, a golden retriever named Yazzy, to bring cheer to patients, staff and visitors.

Four-year-old Yazzy and his owner, Janice McCauley, represent national charity Pets As Therapy (PAT), and have been visiting wards across the hospital in Gillingham since starting in the role earlier this year, helping to reduce anxiety and stress in patients, visitors and staff.

Since being founded in 1983, PAT’s team of dedicated volunteers and friendly animals have worked to enhance health and wellbeing in the community by providing a visiting service to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues all across the UK.

Long-serving PAT volunteer Janice, from Medway, said:

“It’s clear that therapy dogs can have a very positive and beneficial effect on the wellbeing of patients, which is why I’m so proud to visit Medway Maritime Hospital with Yazzy every week.

‘’On a typical day we walk onto the ward, and once we are able to get through all the excited nurses and the doctors, we speak to patients and visitors, who love spending time with Yazzy.

‘’The patients really adore him, particularly on the children’s ward; their faces light up and it’s really rewarding to see how happy and smiley they all become.’’

In addition to his work at the hospital, Yazzy also acts an assistance dog to Janice’s husband Liam, and represents The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association as a guide dog ambassador, helping to raise funds for the charity.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive, James Devine, said:

‘’We are extremely grateful to Janice and Yazzy for their efforts, and taking the time out to volunteer and spread cheer across our hospital.

‘’Therapy animals like Yazzy make a real difference to our patients, bringing comfort and happiness to them during what can be a stressful time.’’

  • Summary:

    Medway Maritime Hospital has welcomed a new therapy dog, a golden retriever named Yazzy, to bring cheer to patients, staff and visitors.