The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) introduced a new pet therapy program in its emergency department this week to bring added comfort to patients.
Approximately 110 people visit the emergency department every day, many of them with urgent medical needs.
“For most, a visit to the emergency department is an overwhelming and stressful experience” said QEH Emergency Department Nurse Manager Mike MacDonald. “Our staff do everything they can to support our patients and families clinically, and recognize that there is more that we can do to support them emotionally while they wait. We know that trained therapy animals can have a positive calming effect, almost immediately, improving a person’s blood pressure and other vital signs, as well as their experience.”
The QEH Emergency Department partnered with Earla Moore and her nine-year-old therapy dog Bucko, a nationally certified therapy dog with Therapeutic Paws of Canada, to offer an eight week pet therapy pilot program at the hospital. Twice a week for an hour, they spend time in the Emergency Department waiting room visiting with patients. All interactions with patients are supervised by a hospital staff member.
“Bucko and I are thrilled to be an integral part of this partnership between the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Therapeutic Paws of Canada,” said Earla Moore. “When people see Bucko they immediately smile. Some can even form an immediate bond with Bucko, making them feel more at ease. If we can make a difference for just one person who is going through a difficult situation, we’ve done our job.”
In addition to the QEH Emergency Department, Earla and Bucko also offer pet therapy at the PEI Palliative Care Centre, several long-term care homes across the province and as part of the Paws to Read program at the Confederation Centre Public Library.
Patients interacting with Bucko at the QEH will be asked to complete a feedback form as results will help the Department decide how to move forward with a pet therapy service.
For more information on Therapeutic Paws of Canada, visit: www.tpoc.ca.