In readiness for Easter, the team in BIRU are boosting the spirits of patients with the help of some small fluffy friends.

BIRU Recreation Officer, Michelle Wirth, is using animal therapy in the form of hatching baby chicks to engage patients on the ward.

“We are embracing the benefits of animal therapy which are well documented in the rehabilitation space.

“We had baby chicks on the ward previously, so we wanted recommence the cheep-cheep and see how patients responded,” she said.

On Monday, three-day-old baby chicks and seven eggs in the incubator arrived on the ward and now all have hatched.

“It has been exciting for the patients to see the chicks hatch and start running around their pen.

“They have the opportunity to hold them, name them, or even just sit and watch them.

“It’s been a nice and relaxing experience for our patients and bought up some memories from childhood which has been lovely to witness,” she said.

The chicks will remain in the ward for a week and a half before being moved onto their new role as laying hens.