Role description - Pets as Therapy
The value of pet ‘therapy’ and animal visits is widely accepted as a powerful aid to stimulation and communication. Studies have shown the presence of companion animals can improve the well-being of patients and lower the rate of anxiety, simply by making the hospital environment happier, more enjoyable and less forbidding.
- Increasing contact with patients
- Reducing boredom
- Reducing the anxiety of patients and improving their mental well-being
Key duties and responsibilities:
- It is essential that dogs have passed a ‘Pets as Therapy assessment’.
- To visit hospital wards/clinics with your dog to interact with the patients.
- To be able to confidently engage in talking to patients and allowing patients to spend time with your dog
- To deal sensitively with those people who may be upset
- Therapy dogs need to be calm and good natured, they also need to be obedient and happy and comfortable being petted by strangers.
- Visits should be restricted to the ward bed space and communal areas
- It is the responsibility of each owner to assess the health, temperament and suitability of their animal before visiting the hospital.
- The dog must be properly supervised by its owner and kept in sight at all times
- To report to the Ward Sister/ Nurse in Charge on arrival and ask for advice regarding whether it is safe for patients to have contact with animals.
- There must be stringent hand washing measures in place for anyone handling the animals before and after contact.
- The dog should not come into contact with open wounds or any indwelling devices such as catheters, stomas, etc.
- The dog should not come into contact with dummies, baby bottles, toys, etc.
- The dog must not be allowed access to kitchens or other food preparation areas
- Animals should not have contact with patients who are eating.
- If the animal urinates or defecates, it is the responsibility of the clinical staff to ensure that contamination is cleaned up immediately, using sanitizing wipes
- Dogs must be registered with PAT (Pets as Therapy charity) and approved by Volunteer Services. Visits will only be allowed to take place with the prior agreement of senior ward staff.
- It is the responsibility of the volunteer to share with CUH Volunteer Service , each year, details of their renewed registration. Copies of the renewed forms will be kept on file.
- Complete volunteer sign in and activity sheets to record activities
Skills and Abilities
- To have a friendly and approachable manner
- To be understanding and flexible in responding to people’s needs
- To be able to engage with a diverse group of people
- To have strong communication and interpersonal skills
- To be able to present yourself in a professional manner to members of the public, patients and their families, and staff.
- To be able to work as part of a team
- To be organised, patient and calm and cope in a busy or stressful environment
- To understand Ward and Hospital etiquette
- To be able to work with patients whom have dementia
Training:
- Ensure Mandatory Training is kept up to date at all times
- Willing to undertake basic Dementia Awareness Training which allows volunteers to know how to engage with people with dementia and to sign post to further information (eg Dementia Champion on the ward)
Confidentiality / Health & Safety:
Be aware of H & S legislation and its influence on the activities of the site
- Operate with awareness of and adherence to CUH confidentiality policy – regulations relating to Data Protection Act and GDPR
- If you are concerned a person is struggling and unable to cope either practically or with mental health please contact the Voluntary Services Team
Volunteers must not:
- Have contact with patient’s valuables or money
- Provide advocacy or counselling
- Carry out the work of trained staff
- Attend if ill
Uniform
- Volunteer and Pets as Therapy ID badges and lanyard
- Bare below the elbow
- Closed toe shoes
- Pets as Therapy t-shirt and dressed appropriately to avoid embarrassment to self, patients or visitors.
- Dog to wear Pets as Therapy ID badge, bandana, dog coat or lead sleeve