We’re a nation of pet lovers, and those who enjoy the company of an animal at home will know the joy they can bring.

At the same time, hospital staff and volunteers are bringing that same uplifting feeling to patients at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital to aid their recovery and wellbeing.

Having first introduced Pets as Therapy (PAT) dogs to the hospitals in 2022, the initiative has proved incredibly popular and now, the team of furry, four-legged recruits has reached double figures for the first time.

Rachael Hardcastle-Pearce, Interim Group Head of Voluntary Services for NHS Humber Health Partnership says:

“Therapy dogs have been used in hospital settings for many years to help patients of all ages.

Hugo, pictured here with owner Yvonne, is the hospitals’ longest serving therapy dog

“Here in Hull, we’re proud to say that we don’t just receive visits from therapy dogs and their owners, but they’re actually part of our registered team of volunteers.

“Earlier this month, we were thrilled to recruit our tenth and eleventh volunteer therapy dogs and their owners to our team, meaning we now have more paws than ever to walk the wards.

“Animals can make a huge, positive difference in a hospital setting. They can serve as a welcome distraction for patients who may be awaiting surgery, for example, who may be in pain, or who are struggling to find ways to occupy their time, as a few days in a hospital bed can feel like a very long time!

“Many patients who come into hospital are used to having their own pet at home and may be missing them, so there’s often something comforting and familiar too when the dogs walk on the wards.

“One of the most powerful things the dogs can do though, is to bring people together and get people talking.

“It’s not unusual for patients to be admitted to hospital and to be very frightened or withdrawn; we often see this in young people or in elderly people and those with dementia. Bringing a therapy dog in really encourages people to open up; often they may begin by talking to or fussing the dog, but then it naturally leads on to conversation with its owner, fellow patients or our hospital staff.

“Social interaction is so important for patients’ wellbeing and recovery, to enable our staff to fully understand them and meet their needs, and the dogs can really help to get those conversations started where other efforts may previously have failed.”

The first and longest serving four-legged recruit is Hugo, an 11-year-old Border Terrier owned by Yvonne from Hull.

Denis and his cockerpoo, Barney, volunteer in the intensive care units at both HRI and Castle Hill Hospital

Yvonne says: “Hugo and I both absolutely love visiting the Trust. We started by visiting care homes, then moved on to Hull Royal a couple of years ago then on to volunteer in the Queen’s Centre at Castle Hill. We’re in a really nice routine now and see similar staff each week; it’s very much like a family in the Queen’s Centre, and we have been able to build up a good relationship with patients and staff. We both look forward each week to visiting the hospital to volunteer.”

Racking up the award for most hours worked is Barney, a Cockerpoo owned by Denis and Janet, who can regularly be found walking the wards at Hull Royal Infirmary, including paediatrics and intensive care.

And among the newest pups on patrol is 2-year-old Ralphie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owned by Gill from Hull.

Gill says: “I took Ralphie to visit an unwell relative at a care home, he went down well and helped to calm the residents which inspired me to come to the hospital as a volunteer with Ralphie. My favourite thing is seeing the pleasure he gives to the patients and staff – it gives patients a break and brings a bit of joy into their hospital stay.”

Since January this year, the hospital’s team of therapy dogs and their owners have donated an amazing 805 hours of their time to support patients’ recovery and bring smiles to staff, patients and visitors alike.