Young patients at Newham University Hospital were greeted by a very special visitor - Dodger the dog.
The visit, part of the Pets as Therapy initiative, allowed staff and children alike to stroke Dodger and feed him treats.
The scheme aims to use dogs to help enhance a patient’s wellbeing by calming and soothing them and preventing them from feeling isolated.
The visit to the Glen Road, Plaistow hospital was organised by Nancy Whiskin, head of volunteering at Barts Health.
She said: “It’s great to have a partnership with Pets as Therapy.
“Every time we take a dog around a hospital it changes the atmosphere and brings so much joy to both staff and patients.”
Such was the impact of Dodger’s visit on cheering up the young patients that the volunteering team are now planning to make him a regular visitor.
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