Virtual therapy dog visit “puts smile on patients’ faces”
Patients on care of the elderly Oak Ward at University Hospital Lewisham were given a lift today (Wednesday 13 May) when they received the first weekly virtual visit from Marcel, the ward’s therapy dog.
Ginnie Adamson, Dementia Specialist Nurse, explains: “Marcel was a popular regular visitor to the ward before we had to restrict visiting due to Covid-19. We are delighted that we have worked with Marcel’s colleagues at the Mayhew to set up a virtual visit to the ward by Zoom.
“It was wonderful to see our patients so happy today, thanks to Marcel's virtual visit. We took around an iPad which had been generously donated to the dementia team. The patients loved seeing Marcel and were then keen to talk about their own pets and love of animals. He always puts a smile on people’s faces. The visit was so popular with our patients that Marcel and his colleagues have agreed to do it every week.”
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust has been working to support patients to engage with their families and loved ones while visiting restrictions are in place, through video discussions.
Donations can be made to the Trust’s charity through this link: https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/charity
