PATIENTS staying at the Alexandra Hospital may find comfort with a visit from Merryn – a therapy specialist who happens to be a dog.
Merryn, a two-year-old Rough Collie, has teamed up with staff at the Alex in Redditch to help provide therapy for patients staying in hospital.
Research has shown that dogs can have therapeutic effects on patients, in particular those who have had a stroke or are living with dementia.
The calming canine, who is part of national charity Therapy Dogs Nationwide, is visiting wards at the hospital to provide comfort, relaxation and anxiety relief for patients during their stay.
Keith and Jackie Medler, who look after Merryn, brought her in this week to visit some of the wards and meet staff and patients.
Ward Manager at the Alexandra Hospital, Russell Dawes said: “It’s great to see patients uplifted and motivated when they see Merryn.”
Starting her therapy in Worcestershire’s schools, Merryn has taught children to learn their left and right and has helped teach them how to listen at story time.
Keith and Jackie added: “As soon as Merryn passed the temperament test we started taking her on visits and we love to see how much people can benefit after just a short time with her.”
Merryn follows in the paw-steps of Aero, the border collie who has been helping at Worcestershire Royal Hospital since July 2016, visiting patients living with dementia or those who have had a stroke.
