Therapy animals are always popular with our patients but now, two four-legged friends with a difference are improving the hospital experience of people living with dementia.
Two robotic pets have been donated to the Trust by the Alzheimer’s Society – a cat and a dog – and they’re already helping patients who find comfort from a furry friend to help make them feel better.
A severely agitated patient was comforted and calmed when the robotic dog was taken to meet them recently at Colchester Hospital.
Head of patient experience Tammy Shepherd, who was called to see the patient, said: “The patient was talking about missing her dog at home and I asked her if she had a photograph on her phone, but that didn’t work.
“After agreeing with the nurse in charge, I brought the dog to the ward and asked the patient if she could look after it while she was there.
“It calmed her down. She was caring for it and stroking it and I can’t tell you how emotional it was to see – it made me cry and it’s one of the best moments of my career.
“I was shocked, but also relieved, that something so basic changed the entire experience for the patient. It was a beautiful moment.”
Head of Patient Experience Tammy Shepherd with our dementia “cat”
Our dementia “cat”