Redland Hospital's Stradbroke and Macleay wards recently opened their doors to a very special four-legged visitor - new Delta Therapy Dog, Winston and his owner, our very own Midwife Nikki Ford.
Nikki said the visit was seven-year-old Winston's first day on the job and that he had passed the assessment to be a therapy dog with flying colours.
"Winston loves pats, waterfront walks, treats, and of course people," she said.
Winston’s visit, an initiative of the Eat Walk Engage team and funded by the Redland Hospital Auxiliary, was not just about cuddles and tail wags, with animal therapy a science-backed approach to improve patient wellbeing.
Eat Walk Engage Program Facilitator Fiona Garrett said there were parallels between the program's goals and the therapy dog visits.
"We've seen how staying active, eating well, and keeping the mind busy are key to our patients' recovery,” she said.
“This includes regular walks around the hospital ward and engaging in activities that challenge the mind.
“We try and find ways to make hospital experiences better for patients and to prevent hospital acquired complications such as delirium.
“The therapy dogs contribute to this by offering comfort and a unique form of engagement," she said.
As Winston pranced out of the hospital wards, he left behind a trail of smiles, proving that sometimes the best medicine comes on four legs.
Winston is pictured here with Victor, they had a great time together and patients can now look forward to fortnightly visits from Nikki and Winston!