NHS mental health occupational therapy department patients and staff benefit from Ruby's visits
Ruby is a very special and loving dog, who brings joy and hope to many adult patients in an acute mental health hospital, The Campbell Centre, in Milton Keynes. This is an NHS hospital and she is part of the occupational therapy department.
I am Katia, Ruby’s owner/handler, and I bring her to work with me every Wednesday. She has got to know the doctors, nurses, HCAs and admin staff very well and they look forward to seeing her each week. They will even make special visits to the occupational therapy office just to greet her when she is at work!
The occupational therapy department facilitate lots of activities for patient care to aid recovery for some very unwell individuals, and on Wednesdays, Ruby will spend all afternoon in patient sessions (with breaks and treats in between). These include small group and one-to-one sessions where the patients have the opportunity to spend time with her in a safe environment. This can be either inside or outside in the garden pending weather.
Each week I will bring in either a favourite toy or ball or soft brush to enable playful fun or direct care for her. Engagement in conversations can become easier and further support can be gained from this. These sessions are greatly valued by patients and they will frequently ask how she is doing on the days she is not working.
As people gain stability, they are granted leave. These individuals will then also have the opportunity to come out for a walk with Ruby after her sessions. This aids recovery even further and has good health benefits.
Ruby has been visiting The Campbell Centre for just over two years and during this time has had a hugely positive impact on hundreds of people. Some of whom now have their own emotional support animal.
Canine Concern Comments
Katia and Ruby make an amazing team. The impact on mental health for patients as well as the staff is amazing. We are finding our dogs are doing amazing work for the NHS, often resulting in benefits that even highly trained humans cannot achieve. Well done, Katia and Ruby, keep up the great work.